Why are there issues with CalMac ferries this summer?

The Herald Scotland

21-06-2025

There are currently three ferries sidelined - with two more scheduled in the pipeline in the height of the summer season for Scotland's islands.
What is the latest concern?
The 32-year-old CalMac veteran MV Caledonian Isles has been sidelined indefinitely - after 17 months out of action for repairs - at height of the summer season, but there are already two ferries out of action and user have been told there will be three more in the pipeline.
What causes frequent breakdowns and service disruptions?
The primary issue is the ageing ferry fleet, caused by a lack of investment in the ferries which continues to hit services, as the state-owned ferry operator CalMac looks to juggle its resources to cover what are lifeline services as best it can.
Four years ago, more than half of Scotland's lifeline ferry network was operating outwith its working life expectancy - being over 25 years old.
MV Isle of Cumbrae (Image: Newsquest) The oldest in the CalMac fleet is the Isle of Cumbrae which is now 23 years past its working life expectancy at 44 years old.
The MV Lord of the Isles, serving South Uist, is itself over 30 years old and has experienced multiple mechanical failures, including corroded steel, radar faults, and engine issues. Such problems necessitate extended repairs, during which no replacement vessels are available due to fleet limitations. ​
How do these disruptions impact the local economy?
Local businesses, especially those dependent on tourism and ferry traffic, suffer significant losses during service outages. For instance, a food takeaway near the Lochboisdale ferry terminal on South Uist reported losing hundreds of pounds per sailing, leading to reduced staff hours and cancelled tourist bookings.
Read more from Martin Williams:
What is being done to address the ferry service issues?
The Scottish Government pledged £580 million over five years to improve ferry services, including procuring new vessels. However, delays in constructing new ferries, such as Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa at the state-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard, have hindered progress.
The Glen Sannox finally commenced service in early 2025, with the Glen Rosa now not expected to arrive till between April and June next year. Additionally, new ferries like the MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal are planned to enhance service reliability.
A contract has also been awarded to a Polish firm for the construction of seven new electric battery-powered vessels for smaller routes.
How are the ferry services paid for?
CalMac, under a contract awarded by Transport Scotland, gets subsidies to cover operational costs not met by fare revenues. The current £975m eight-year Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract expired in September 2024.
But CalMac are getting a contract directly from ministers without going to a competitive tender to continue running services for another ten years. The contract is worth £3.7bn.
While passengers pay fares to use ferry services, they typically cover only a portion of the operating costs.
CalMac (Image: PA) The subsidies are in place because some ferry routes are not commercially viable due to low passenger volumes and high operating costs. Subsidies ensure that island communities remain connected to the mainland, supporting local economies and access to essential services.​
Last year it was announced that ferry fears would increase by 10% from this year to allow the continued support of the ferries network in future years.
How are new ferries paid for?
The Scottish Government, or the taxpayer provides capital funding for new ferries via Transport Scotland. This funding is often channelled through "voted loans" to a separate state-owned company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, which owns the ferries, ports, harbours and infrastructure.
While funding mechanisms are in place, critics say challenges in procurement and project management have highlighted the need for ongoing oversight and reform.
Why did the Scottish Government decide to go ahead with the award directly to CalMac while there is a level of upset over how ferry services are delivered?
The transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said that a direct award "fundamentally changes the ethos of the service by shifting from a commercial arrangement to a model more focused on the delivery of a public service engaged on the particular needs of the communities it serves". The Herald has asked what this means and has still been awaiting a response.
The way CalMac operates means that profits are already not distributed to shareholders but are instead reinvested into the company to maintain and enhance ferry services.
She said she expects it will become a "catalyst for positive change across the Clyde and Hebrides network, based on a more efficient, flexible model of delivery that fully reflects community interests."
Transport Scotland was asked to explain whether there were any value for money benefits.
What is the community's stance on this approach?
While the Scottish Government sees a direct award as beneficial, some community representatives have voiced opposition. Concerns include potential service quality issues and the lack of competitive pressure to drive improvements.
What is the ferry operator CalMac saying about the latest issues?
They told users: "Although we plan and prepare for multiple eventualities – this is not what we hoped for. Everyone at Caledonian MacBrayne is disappointed that MV Caledonian Isles is not yet ready to carry passengers.
"This is keenly felt by our team, and we know that will be the case for customers and communities – especially so close to her planned return to service. We continue to work closely with the gearbox manufacturer onsite. Thank you to the communities and customers for your patience while we work at pace to resolve this further issue – and to return her to service. "