Second delay for return of MV Caledonian Isles

West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has today accused the SNP government of “giving up on Scotland’s islands” after the publicly owned ferry operator, CalMac, announced that the return of the MV Caledonian Isles - which has been out of service since last February - has been further delayed.

It was initially due to return to the Arran route by the end of April, but that was first pushed back to the end of May and will now not return to service until the week commencing Monday 9 June. It has also left the Ardrossan port without any operating ferry, a situation widely criticised by local businesses and campaigners in North Ayrshire.

The ship has faced a series of issues including rust and twisted frames.

Mr Greene said:

“Another week, another fresh delay and with it, more disruption for islanders, visitors and the poor people of Ardrossan.

"No one living on the west coast has any faith that this will be the last delay to their network.

“People are fed up with this mess. Another CalMac boss has departed with a six figure pay off but there's barely a peep of apology from SNP ministers

"It’s about time someone in this SNP government carried the can for repeatedly failing communities up and down the west coast.”