Western Isles MSP meets with calmac over ongoing ferry problems

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has met with the Managing Director of Calmac, Phil Preston, to discuss the ongoing ferry problems following the major breakdown affecting MV Clansman.

“I am aware of the frustration of many people in Barra and South Uist at this time, particularly following news today that it will take longer than expected to reassemble the affected engine of the Clansman. With Barrafest taking place and the tourism season underway it is obviously important to get this situation resolved as soon as possible and I have made that point to Calmac.

“Individual islanders”

“While I realise that this is not an event that Calmac could have foreseen or planned for, and indeed I realise too that they are scouring Europe for alternative vessels, it is right that they should be made aware of the concerns of my constituents in the Southern Isles.

“I have also discussed this situation with the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, and urged him to look at ways of avoiding similar situations in future while he considers the evidence from the ferries review currently underway.

“I am happy to take up the concerns of any individual islanders on this matter and continue to press home to Calmac the need for a resolution to this problem.”

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