The Scottish Government is looking at developing a fleet of ferries that is “more in keeping” with the west coast, says a council after meeting ministers.
It follows widespread disruption to State-owned Caledonian MacBrayne’s fleet throughout the summer – with a series of breakdowns and cancellations affecting thousands of passengers and tourism operators in the Outer Hebrides demanding compensation.
Now Western Isles Council has highlighted the problems to the government.
Transport chairman Uisdean Robertson met with Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity last week. Also present were representatives of Transport Scotland and HITRANS.
The council has called for two new ferries on the west coast.
Mr Robertson wants the ships in addition to the two delayed ferries that are currently being built on the Clyde.
Mr Robertson said: “Our meeting with the Cabinet Secretary was very useful. We were assured that he appears to have a good handle on his new brief and has clearly spent some time on the issues that are a concern for us all regarding ferry and aviation travel.
“We discussed general issues around capacity, reliability and resilience issues affecting ferry services to and within the Western Isles and challenged him on the levels of investment in vessels and the associated infrastructure and, perhaps more importantly, the robustness of decision-making.
“The Cabinet Secretary and Transport Minister have confirmed that they and Transport Scotland are seeking to develop and implement a strategy which will focus on having a fleet of ferries that are more in keeping with what is both suitable for our waters whilst also recognising what is available worldwide.
“An aspiration for a greater level of standardisation across the network and fleet is included within this.”