'Island ferry problems meant my child could not travel'
A mother-of-four says she was forced to travel without all of her children on an island ferry because of reduced passenger numbers.
Carol-Anne Galbraith, 33, from Barra, needed to get her son Kieran, five, from the Hebridean island to a hospital appointment in Glasgow.
Barra's usual ferry, which carries 600 people, has been replaced with a vessel that is running under a restricted capacity of 45 people.
Her eight-year-old son, Christopher, instead made the journey by plane with his grandmother - which the family said brought additional expense.
Single mum Carol-Anne wanted to take all her children on the trip during the Easter holidays because of limited childcare options on the island.
Ferry operator CalMac said an alternative route had been offered to allow all the children - who were not originally booked - to make the trip to the mainland.
But Carol-Anne said this would have involved a 350-mile journey by car, two ferries and taken at least 12 hours.
More stories from the Highlands and Islands
News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds
Barra's usual 600-passenger ferry, MV Isle of Lewis, has been out of action for two months due to an engine fault.
The replacement ferry, MV Isle of Mull, can carry 962 people.
But this has been reduced to a just 45 passengers due to a broken emergency escape system.
The route connecting Castlebay, Barra, with Oban on the Argyll coast is the longest in CalMac's west coast network.
Kieran has eczema and requires monthly visits to a hospital consultant in Glasgow.
Carole-Anne said that being unable to rely on the ferry service was "stressful and upsetting".
She said: "Originally it was me and Kieran who were booked, but our plans changed so I went to book the other three children.
"Due to the reduced capacity I couldn't get them on.
"You feel guilty as a mum because you feel you have failed and not been able to take your children away."
With help from local CalMac staff, Ms Galbraith was able to get Daniel, six, and Charlotte, 11, on the ferry while Christopher travelled by plane.
Brian Currie, of Barra Transport Committee - which campaigns for connectivity improvements - accused CalMac of not meeting contractual obligations.
He said: "I think over the last two months CalMac has failed to provide lifeline services to the island.
"Services are paid for but are not being delivered."
Residents in the Western Isles have raised concerns about the reliability of services over several years.
In 2023, hundreds marched through Glasgow to protest against the disruption of South Uist's ferry service.
Islanders said they were left "beyond crisis" after CalMac cut sailings from Lochboisdale to Mallaig on the mainland during June.
CalMac said it had been in contact with Ms Galbraith about travel arrangements
A spokesperson said: "We were able to get another space for Carole-Anne to go to the hospital appointment and she travelled with three of her four children.
"There was no risk of the hospital appointment being missed as we always had mother and child booked on the sailing.
"All alternatives offered were to allow additional children who had not originally been booked on."
Transport Scotland said that under its contract with CalMac it expected essential services to be delivered.
A spokesperson said: "We recognise the impact that delays and disruption have regrettably had on our island communities and we are committed to investing in our ferry services.
"In the coming year, we will invest over £530m maintaining and enhancing our networks and strengthening resilience of services on the west coast and northern isles."
MV Isle of Lewis is due to be back in service in time for the family's return journey.
How are ferry problems affecting people on Barra?
Island ferry returns after weeks of absence
Fire caused CalMac ferry engine failure
CalMac
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Railway launches 36 new trains on commuter line
The first rollout of 36 new trains on a commuter line will make a "massive difference" to travellers, a rail operator has said. London Northwestern Railway said the first of its new Class 730/2 fleet will begin running from Monday on the West Cost Mainline, into Euston Station, London, stopping at Northampton, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, and Watford stations. The trains are part of £1bn of investment on the line, the company said. Ian McConnell, its managing director, said the new trains will add 15,000 extra seats every day and increase capacity by 20%. Mr McConnell said the trains would be "more reliable". "These trains are going to make a massive difference. There's going to be 15,000 (extra) seats every single day, that's 20% additional capacity. "They're going to have a much more comfortable, modern, state-of-the-art experience, much more space and much more chance of getting a seat and a much better experience all together." Phil Warner, the chair of the Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users Association, welcomed the increased capacity. "Train were shorter than they should be and could get over crowded, more seats and more space to sit down, means less standing and less crowding. "They'll carry more people which is what rail needs to do to take pressure off the road network." The new trains were built in the UK by Alstom, and feature air conditioning, power points at every seat and improved accessibility, the company added. More trains will come into service from 23 June as more drivers and conductors are trained. Other destinations on the line, including Hemel Hempstead, Leighton Buzzard, Berkhamsted and Kings Langley will have new trains from the end of the year or beginning of 2026. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X and Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'We have to take risks to build major railway' 'I just wanted to know where people came from' Full rail service resumes after flood repairs London Northwestern Railway
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Wildfire warnings issued in the Canary Islands as millions prepare to holiday there
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. Related You'll need to book via app to visit these spectacular beaches in Sardinia this summer Greece boosts firefighter and drone numbers to tackle growing risk of wildfires But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. Related Svalbard, Chios, El Hierro: How these European islands have successfully avoided overtourism Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote? Latest advice after Storm Olivier sweeps through Canary Islands As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Gatwick Airport baggage handler dispute resolved
A dispute between Gatwick Airport baggage handlers and their bosses which resulted in industrial action in April has been resolved. More than 100 baggage handlers, check-in and flight dispatching staff from Red Handling had gone on strike for four days across Easter in a row over pensions and working conditions. Strike action on 18 and 25 May and 1 June was suspended because of the negotiations, which have now concluded. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said they were pleased an agreement had been reached. The Red Handling workers, who are members of the Unite union, said the dispute was over "long-standing issues" with pensions, including having contributions not paid and plans not set up. Staff had also complained of being overworked and not having proper breaks between shifts, but had since agreed on new working terms which included receiving overtime pay and having guarantees about time off, Unite said. Ben Davis, the union's regional officer, said: "The situation with pensions, late wages and a lack of breaks was taking a big toll on our members and they are glad this has now been resolved." Red Handling has been contacted for a comment. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Gatwick downplays effect of Easter strikes EasyJet to run full service despite Gatwick strike Gatwick strike called off but disruption looms Gatwick Airport Unite the Union Red Handling
