Just got back from the wonderful Isle of Mull. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Mull and most of the Scottish islands over the years. Go at least once a year. The revelation this time was how desperate the ferry service has become. A real headache for the residents too. Saw this in a shop window in Tobermory. Made me laugh! Mind you, the island ran out of fruit and veg a week ago so it’s no laughing matter if you live there!
Re: One for Ronnie
Posted by John R on 30/10/2023, 20:24:04, in reply to "One for Ronnie"
I read recently that the new Cal. Mac. ferries are built with the wrong steel!! I wonder how Sturgeon answers that one?
Re: One for Ronnie
Posted by PeteH2 on 30/10/2023, 22:31:50, in reply to "Re: One for Ronnie"
That’s true John. They used mild steel rather than stainless for weatherproof doors on a ship. Unbelievable. Poor Nicola will have nowhere to go in her nice new motor home unless they get the boats working properly.
Re: One for Ronnie
Posted by Jean L on 31/10/2023, 1:47:27, in reply to "Re: One for Ronnie"
It is Sturgical steel!!?
Re: One for Ronnie
Posted by Ronnie on 31/10/2023, 14:10:05, in reply to "One for Ronnie" Board Owner
Our two ferry service has been much affected this year by breakdowns, canceled sailings, and one of our ferries being sent to other routes to cover their problems.
Add to this the ferries going into drydock for annual overhauls, and the ineptitude of the devolved parliament of the SNP in Holyrood over the building of two ferries which is now way over budget and far behind the launch dates.
There are at present 2 new ferries being constructed in Turkey for the Islay route and are well on schedule. We had a poll on the island to name them.
All praise to the CALMAC ferry crews and port staff at these difficult times who are doing a great job.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: "Almost six years after Nicola Sturgeon held a fake boat launch complete with painted-on windows, these boats are still needing design changes before sea trials can get underway.
"Islanders, taxpayers, and shipyard workers have been hung out to dry."
Re: One for Ronnie
Posted by PeteH2 on 31/10/2023, 23:56:38, in reply to "Re: One for Ronnie"
My grandad worked at Cammell Laird and also fought against Turkey (and was cruelly treated as a POW by them too), in WW1. It would break his heart to think that we were reduced to paying other countries to build ships for us. A very sad turn of events.