Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 23 March 2022
I recognise Dr Allan’s interest in the matter, given his constituency. I am broadly sympathetic to his suggestion, but I do not want to make a decision on it right now, in the chamber. I recognise the challenges to do with getting islanders’ voices to inform the work of CalMac.
I want to talk about services that have been impacted. We heard about services to Arran, and I am well sighted on the difficulties on Barra, Cumbrae, Coll and Tiree. I will meet CalMac next week, following our initial meeting last month, to raise concerns directly and seek an action plan for improvement. I make an offer to members who would like me to raise constituency cases with CalMac directly: I ask them to email my private office, and I will ensure they receive an update and an assurance from CalMac that their concerns have been adequately addressed.
I have asked CalMac for regular briefings regarding service cancellations. I have also requested, through officials, an up-to-date understanding of the approach to Covid on vessels and the impact that that has had. The issue has been raised with me.
There is, furthermore, a need for joined-up cross-portfolio work on resilience. With the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, I have set up work across Government to establish what more can be done to prepare better for known resilience events, by building on the already well-established engagement between Government and local resilience partnerships.
It is important to note that the age of the fleet has been a significant contributing factor in cases of breakdown or extended periods of maintenance or dry-docking. Ministers recognise the need to address delays in investment in ferries infrastructure, which is why we committed £580 million in the infrastructure investment plan.