Scot Lib Dems slam ferry fiasco as Mallaig-Armadale route left without service over Easter

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today condemned the removal of ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale over the Easter holidays, warning that the disruption will have a devastating impact on west coast communities and businesses.

CalMac has confirmed that no vessels will be available to operate the Mallaig-Armadale route between 27 March and 11 April 2026, as ferries are redeployed to cover other parts of the network. The historic crossing, often known as the “Over the Sea to Skye” route, has linked communities on the west coast since the early 1900s.

The decision means that the two vessels expected to serve the route this summer, the Loch Bhrusda and the Coruisk, could be removed from the service at any point to cover other routes, creating significant uncertainty for residents and businesses.

Local community leaders in Mallaig and the Sleat Peninsula have warned that the loss of sailings during the Easter holidays, a key period for tourism, will damage fragile local economies and undermine confidence in the route.

Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, said:

“Do the Scottish Government have any idea what damage they have done to remote west coast communities by not commissioning replacement ferries? The Mallaig, Arisaig and South Sleat communities will be massively impacted already by having not one but both their ferries taken off the Mallaig to Armadale route.

“Easter holidays are crucial for the local hospitality and retail industry.

“Mallaig businesses are already worrying about delays to the recommencement of the Jacobite steam train, with health and safety requirements now insisting on central door locking.

“I wrote to the Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop a month ago about the aged, cold and tired ScotRail train that travels out of Mallaig and haven’t heard back. I'm sure the ferry issue is waiting in her in-tray too. She is due to step down in May - I can only assume she has clocked off already.

"I have approached CalMac for an explanation for this disastrous redeployment. My constituents do not deserve being left high and dry."

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Andrew Baxter said:

“Connectivity in the West is essential, yet our roads, rail services and ferries are all in a terrible state. Transport Scotland has a budget of £3.5 billion - what is for sure is that it’s not being spent in the Highlands.”

"This disruption is the latest example of the long-running ferries crisis, which has seen ageing vessels remain in service while replacement ships are delayed.

"We need to get Scotland moving again. In Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch it will be a two horse race between the SNP and the Scottish Liberal Democrats. If I am elected in May, I will be a tireless campaigner for new boats and better transport links up and down the west coast."

Transport spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP said:

“Islanders and coastal communities have paid the price for the failure of the Scottish Government to provide the ferries they need, manage maintenance properly and procure new vessels on time or on budget.

“They deserve better than SNP ministers who have shown they don’t understand local needs and cannot be trusted with lifeline links.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will end the ferries fiasco through a new Ferries Bill that guarantees vessels are replaced in time, gives communities a real say over how services are run and delivers proper compensation for the disruption they have suffered.”