Skip to main content
It's time to end the chaos in Scotland's ferry service
Publicly owned CalMac, which provides lifeline ferry services to many inhabited islands, is in crisis — we must centre island communities and unions in creating a new system, with the boats built here in Scotland, writes KATY CLARK MSP
Ferries are frequently cancelled at short notice causing chaos. Photo shows CalMac's MV Hebrides which serves the Tarbert/Lochmaddy to Uig route. [Creative Commons]

FERRIES on routes which islanders rely on for essential travel to work, for medical appointments or to see family, are frequently cancelled at short notice causing chaos.

The problems mainly result from the failure of the Scottish government to invest in new fleet over many years. Covid-related staff shortages have compounded this.

The botched contract for two ferries being constructed at the nationalised Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, intended for the Ardrossan to Arran route, one of the busiest in Scotland, has made the situation worse.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
FRAUGHT PROCESS: A member of HS2 staff walks through the Chilterns tunnel of the new line
Features / 23 May 2026
23 May 2026

The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ

Coins in a Saltire purse
Features / 7 May 2026
7 May 2026

Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS

FLAG OF CONVENIENCE: Container ship Nord Independence under the flag of Panama / Pic: Saberwyn/CC
TUC 2025 / 9 September 2025
9 September 2025

MARTYN GRAY asks TUC congress to endorse measures that would help stop the present exploitation of seafarers

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey
Features / 19 July 2025
19 July 2025

Ben Chacko talks to RMT leader EDDIE DEMPSEY about how the key to fixing broken Britain lies in collective sectoral bargaining, restoring unions’ ability to take solidarity strike action and bringing about the much-vaunted ‘wave of insourcing’