Two major tour operators have revealed that they intend to avoid the troubled Mallaig to Skye ferry crossing solely because of this summer’s cancellations and delays.
Local MSP Kate Forbes said she was deeply concerned that tour companies were starting to “boycott Skye” because of the unreliability of the ferry service.
Over the summer season this year one in ten crossings were cancelled, with only 85% of scheduled journeys arriving on time.
Some tourist attractions on Skye have reported that their takings were down by tens of thousands of pounds compared to the previous year as a result.
CalMac said they were in regular contact with tour operators – and insisted that booking for next year were “healthy”.
However, Ms Forbes said that Kleemann Tours had told her that they are “actively reconsidering” their options for this summer after ferry disruption meant tourists could spend less time in the area.
Another major UK tour operator, who have asked not to be named, have now told the MSP that they will not be running any tours to Skye this summer, citing ferry problems as the reason.
Previously the company has brought well over 1,000 tourists to the island during the summer period.
Ms Forbes said: “I know, and both of these companies know, that the Isle of Skye is the tourism jewel in the crown of the Scottish Highlands, and the tour operators are genuinely grieved to take this decision.
“This gives the clearest example of the significant economic impact that this summer of disruption has had.
“To have two major, and respected, tour operators tell me that they are effectively going to have to boycott Skye because the ferry service is simply not fit for purpose should be a stark wake-up call.”
A CalMac spokesman said: “We have been in regular contact with coach operators to discuss their plans for summer 2017 and are doing what we can to reassure them that the proposals we are finalising for the Mallaig-Armadale service will address any concerns they have.
“At present coach bookings for the route for next year are healthy. We will publish the proposed timetable as soon as it is agreed.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman added that ministers are aware of the impact ferry disruption has on the public and businesses
He added: “Ministers are aware of the disruption experienced particularly at the start of the summer 2016 timetable, mainly caused by the tidal restrictions of the deployed vessels, before CalMac put in place a tidal timetable which improved performance.
“The minister for transport and the islands made it clear at that time that improved reliability must be achieved for summer 2017.”