MSP for Central Scotland and Shadow Minister for Transport, Graham Simpson, met with CalMac to discuss the challenges facing the Scotland’s ferry service at their harbour terminal in Ardrossan.
Mr Simpson, who was also joined by Brian Whittle MSP, had intended to travel to the Isle of Arran via ferry to hear from staff and meet members of the Arran Ferry Action Group. However, poor weather meant that all sailings out of Ardrossan had to be cancelled.
This visit follows weeks of pressure on the Scottish Government over their handling of the Ferguson ferries scandal and a debate in Parliament on the worrying future of Scotland’s ferry service.
The pair heard about the infrastructure problems plaguing CalMac and were shown around Ardrossan harbour, which is in urgent need of upgrading due to underinvestment by the SNP.
Mr Simpson also heard from CalMac staff, who are tasked with providing an essential and reliable service to islanders and tourists, about the challenges they’re experiencing on the ground.
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland said: “It was disappointing that my trip to Arran had to be cancelled due to the weather, but it showed first-hand the challenges CalMac are having to deal with.
“Our island residents must be able to rely on our ferry network, but they will keep being let down until this SNP-Green government review the current structure and set out a long-term vessel replacement programme.
“Like Ferguson Marine, this government has shown it cannot be relied on to deliver a ferry service Scots deserve.”
