CalMac ferry sailings have shown a concerning lack of punctuality, with only seven days in 15 months where all scheduled sailings were on time. According to a freedom of information request by the Scottish Lib Dems, between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, only seven days saw all CalMac sailings running as per the timetable. This revelation comes alongside the cancellation of ferries on 285 days out of 456, marking a 24 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Technical issues were cited as the reason behind the cancellation of 5,251 sailings during the 15-month period, representing a 57 percent rise from the year before. Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson, expressed disappointment in the situation, pointing out the adverse impact on islanders who rely on these ferry services. Rennie criticised the SNP for failing to address the maintenance issues faced by CalMac despite increasing costs.
Islanders have reportedly faced challenges such as missed business opportunities, events, and medical appointments due to ferry cancellations. Rennie emphasised the urgent need for the government to take action to ensure reliable ferry services for island communities and to improve Scotland’s economic standing. In response, a Transport Scotland representative highlighted that out of 207,495 scheduled sailings, 198,952 operated successfully.
Weather and tidal conditions were identified as reasons for 7,319 cancellations, factors beyond the operator’s control. The government has outlined plans to invest approximately £700 million in a five-year strategy to enhance ferry infrastructure, alongside the procurement of new vessels to bolster the ferry network. Despite the challenges faced by CalMac, efforts are underway to improve service resilience and reliability.
In summary, the poor punctuality of CalMac ferry sailings over the past 15 months has raised concerns about the impact on islanders and the need for substantial improvements in ferry services to better serve communities and enhance Scotland’s economic reputation.