Latest news with #MVAlfred
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
The hidden risks of public transport and what you can do if you're injured
Public transport is a unique mode of transport as you, the passenger, put your life in the hands of a total stranger, writes David Nellaney, Partner at Digby Brown. What provides assurance is the knowledge that the person in control of the vehicle - be it a taxi, bus, ferry, plane or train - is a professional. They are trained, licensed and insured to a high standard to deliver a reliable and safe service. Arguably, they should be safer than any other mode of transport as they are also more likely to be vigilant, follow speed limits more strictly, and handle the vehicle smoothly. And yet, over the last year or so, it feels like there's been a rise in public transport accidents, especially bus and coach accidents. In March this year, the M8 ground to a halt after a bus crashed near the junction 30 turn off at Bishopton. In December 2024, there were two bus crashes within days of each other - and both involved low bridges. The first saw a double-decker collide with a railway bridge on Cook Street in Glasgow, then five days later, another struck a low bridge on Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. Both incidents left multiple people injured, many of whom needed hospital treatment. In Paisley last year, five people were injured after a single-decker ploughed into a block of flats. Similarly, homeowners in Airth near Falkirk were injured after a coach left the road and smashed into a row of houses. To be fair, it's not just buses. All modes of public transport have their risks, and as we've seen in the past, accidents can happen anywhere. Last summer, Digby Brown settled claims for passengers of the ferry MV Alfred after it ran aground on an uninhabited island near Orkney. We also helped Ayr man Stephen McIntyre after he was struck by a taxi that crossed into his side of the road. And families affected by the Stonehaven rail disaster turned to Digby Brown for help where we recovered more than £1million for those affected. Whether you are on a bus, taxi, train, ferry or plane, it is the duty of those in control of these modes of transport to ensure your safety. We know professional drivers don't set out to injure people. But through our experience, the sad reality is that most crashes are the result of human error. If a mechanical fault arises that impacts safety they should stop, not continue and hope for the best while hoping to deal with it later. If there's torrential rain or wind, then those in charge should slow down or stop entirely - simply plodding on and blaming the bad weather if things go wrong isn't good enough. This was confirmed in another legal win for Digby Brown when we helped 17 people recover compensation after their coach was blown over in high winds near Loch Lomond. And when it comes to buses and low bridges… well, the driver is ultimately responsible for driving to the road conditions and responding to hazards that lie ahead. Blaming a sat nav or a route diversion is no excuse. The precise circumstances of incidents are nearly always different, but what remains constant is that if you were injured as a result of someone else's negligence, then you have rights. When you use public transport, you are a passenger in a vehicle, and other people are responsible for your safety. So, with a public transport claim or passenger injury claim, a solicitor will look to recover all relevant details, just like any other accident claim: Having as much information and evidence as possible helps build a clear, thorough and accurate picture that can strengthen your case and secure a fair result.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Ardrossan Harbour deal 'far from complete', campaigners claim
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced earlier this year that she had asked officials to look at the potential purchase of the harbour in North Ayrshire. For almost 200 years, ferries have left from the harbour for Arran, but for the majority of this year there have been no services from Ardrossan because the Glen Sannox – and its sister ship Glen Rosa that is yet to enter service – are too big to berth there. The Glen Sannox has been travelling to Arran from Troon alongside the MV Alfred, while the Caledonian Isles – which is due to return to Ardrossan next month – has been out of action since January 2024. The Ardrossan Harbour Task Force met for the first time in a year in April after which the Scottish Government said it remained committed to trying to purchase the site. READ MORE: Robin McAlpine: Why I'm angry about the approval of the Loch Lomond Flamingo Land plan However, since then, campaigners from Arran for Ardrossan Harbour have met with CMAL, Transport Scotland, CalMac and Peel Ports – which currently owns the site. Wyllie Hume, chair of the group, claimed they were told at the meeting by Kevin Hobbs, CEO of government-owned ferries and harbours body CMAL, that the public ownership deal is "far from complete". He also claimed CMAL said Peel Ports was asking for 'an exorbitant amount' for the dilapidated harbour that it could not afford. Hume added: 'Throughout the entire meeting, he and the Transport [Scotland] representative treated us as an irritant and gave the impression that they were meeting us under sufferance. 'A no point in the discussions did Mr Hobbs say he was committed to saving Ardrossan Harbour or that he is strongly committed to pursuing the buyout.' (Image: Arran for Ardrossan Harbour) Hume said the group now plans to campaign 'more aggressively' against Peel Ports, including organising a protest outside the company's offices in Glasgow. Peel Ports said it has been working with 'pace and energy' on negotiations, but claimed this has not been matched by other parties at the table. Transport Scotland said a timeline 'can only be reasonably established and published should actual purchase and transfer of control of the port be successful'. Bosses explained that neither CMAL or the Scottish Government could force the sale of a port or use compulsory purchase powers under existing harbours legislation. READ MORE: Highlands and Islands residents split over £100bn investment plan CMAL told The National it remains 'fully committed' to maintaining a 'robust and resilient' ferry service but must ensure 'we deliver the best value for the public purse'. The task force involves Transport Scotland, North Ayrshire Council, Peel Ports, CalMac, CMAL, the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee and the area's MSP Kenneth Gibson. The Ardrossan port requires a costly berth realignment in order to accommodate the new Glen Sannox – which entered service to Arran in January – and the Glen Rosa – which is now not due to be delivered until 2026. The Ardrossan Harbour Project – to develop the port and make it suitable for the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa – was given the go-ahead way back in 2018 by then transport minister Humza Yousaf, but the project was paused in 2023 and a fresh business case has never emerged. With ferries only going in and out of Troon for the past few months, residents in Arran have been struggling to get to medical appointments at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, which is easily reachable by bus from Ardrossan but much more challenging to get to from Troon. There are also fears Ardrossan could suffer a similar fate to Stranraer, which in 2011 lost the ferry to Northern Ireland after more than 150 years. The local economy quickly took a significant downturn after Stena Line moved up the coast to Cairnryan. A spokesperson from CMAL said: 'We met with Save Ardrossan Harbour, Arran for Ardrossan Harbour, CalMac and Transport Scotland at the CMAL offices last week to discuss the current situation. While we recognise this is an emotive issue for the Arran and Ardrossan communities, we are in the middle of a commercial negotiation process, which limits the amount of information that can be shared. 'We are fully committed to maintaining a robust and resilient ferry service for the Isle of Arran, and no option is off the table. However, we must also ensure we deliver the best value for the public purse.' Transport Scotland said it will update Parliament and the community once there is progress to report. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: 'We absolutely understand people and communities' views in favour of retaining Ardrossan as the mainland port and their frustration that there is not yet more progress to report. 'The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring the Arran ferry service is fit for the future and we want to see progress just as much as local campaigners do. However, as was explained to them when they met recently with CMAL, Transport Scotland and CalMac, a timeline can only be reasonably established and published should actual purchase and transfer of control of the port be successful. 'CMAL and Peel Ports need time and space to undertake and conclude negotiations.' A Peel Ports spokesperson said: 'We've entered negotiations in good faith, working with pace and energy to a timetable we believed was achievable. Unfortunately, that pace and energy hasn't been matched by those at the negotiating table. 'We appreciate that the buyers have other ferry issues to contend with but reaching a swift conclusion will require them to give this negotiation a higher priority.'
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Ferries for Clyde and Hebrides 'in chaos' as cancellations soar
In 2015, technical faults only accounted for around one in every ten cancellations – but it is now almost four in ten, according to recent analysis of figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request. It comes as, for several years now, the SNP has faced heavy criticism for its failure to modernise Scotland's ferry fleet, including the notorious delays to the Ferguson's Marine ferries. Historically, weather cancellations have been the main cause for journeys on Scotland's ferry fleet not taking place. However, over the past ten years, this has begun to distribute with the cause due to technical faults becoming more prominent on the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. For example, in 2015, 6,822 ferries were cancelled across these routes with 5,510 weather cancellations making up the vast majority of this total (80%) and technical faults only accounting for 10%. However, in 2024, 12,100 ferries were cancelled across the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service with approximately 6,700 of these (55%) a result of weather, and 4,475 as a result of technical faults (37%). Scottish Labour has said the SNP's ferry fiasco is causing 'misery' for islanders as cancellations soar. Rhoda Grant, the party's spokesperson for Rural Affairs and Islands, said: 'The SNP's ferry fiasco is causing misery for Scottish islanders as well as costing taxpayers millions. 'Behind these stark figures are islanders cut off from loved ones, missing NHS appointments and struggling to keep businesses afloat. 'Island communities have been abandoned by this out-of-touch SNP government and lifeline services have been plunged into chaos." READ MORE: ScotGov agrees to give CalMac new contract to operate ferries Users aghast as CalMac gets uncontested ferries contract 'by default' The MSP who represents the Highlands and Islands added: 'Islanders cannot keep dealing with the consequences of SNP incompetence – a Scottish Labour government will set out a real plan to deliver the reliable, modern lifeline ferry service Scotland needs.' Scottish Ministers have said they are investing in six new major vessels to serve Scotland's ferry network by 2026, which they say will 'alleviate the need for extensive repairs on older vessels' and improve reliability. Contracts were also recently signed for a further seven new smaller vessels. A Scottish Government spokesperson added: 'To improve service in the short term, we have also purchased the MV Loch Frisa and chartered the MV Alfred. We continue to work with operators and CMAL to improve resilience across our networks." Ferry operator CalMac has said the arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029 will reduce technical issues. A CalMac spokesperson said: "Between 2015 and 2024 we've operated over 1.5 million sailings, with just 5.2% cancelled. "Of those cancelled sailings, 22% were for technical reasons whilst almost three times as many were due to the weather at 62%. "We're delivering services with an ageing fleet and in increasingly challenging weather in winter. "The arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029, which started with MV Glen Sannox in January this year, will reduce technical issues and these modern vessels should also be able to operate in more challenging weather and sea conditions." Last week, Ferry operator CalMac was given a direct award of the contract for routes on the west coast, in what the Government has said will create a 'change of ethos' for the service. It means that rather than a competitive tender process, the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract will go straight to the publicly-owned operator. While unions have welcomed the move, concerns have been raised about accountability for promises to improve services. It is the first time a direct award has been granted for the ferries contract and it is expected to last 10 years at a cost of £3.9 billion. Island communities have long complained of unreliable ferry services and the Scottish Government had pledged to introduce six new major vessels into the network from 2025. The first of these, the long-awaited Glen Sannox, began carrying passengers in January. Commenting on the directed award to CalMac, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'This 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. 'I fully expect the direct award to be 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. 'Discussions will continue with staff, island residents, businesses and communities and trade unions on the arrangements to ensure the services can best meet local needs and wants.' Transport Scotland said there would be regular performance reviews in the ferry contract. Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, said: 'This is a tremendous victory not just for our members on CalMac ferries but also for the island communities who are best served by lifeline ferries that are in public ownership. 'The Scottish Government has made the right decision and now the union will work with all stakeholders to ensure that CalMac ferries are affordable, well-resourced and reward seafarers properly for their work going forward.' Opposition parties said the SNP had failed to invest in the ferry fleet. Conservative transport spokeswoman Sue Webber said: 'While this announcement provides continuity, the bottom line is that CalMac will continue to carry the can for the SNP's dire mismanagement of the ferry network. 'Islanders have been betrayed by the SNP time and time again, and any ferry provider is only as good as the fleet it has to work with.' Liberal Democrat West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene said: 'The big concern people have with this direct award is that without a competitive tender process, there is no way to hold the incumbent operator to account on its many promises to improve services. 'The entire network desperately needs new ferries and faces endless disruption due to technical faults and cancellations. 'The SNP rarely ever consult islanders and businesses on what's best for them or what they want, as evidenced by the changes introduced to the Cumbrae route.'
The National
07-05-2025
- Business
- The National
MV Caledonian Isles return faces further delay
With both the MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred unable to berth at the troubled Ardrossan Harbour, ferry users face a further period of longer sailings to Arran and back from Troon Harbour. The service between Ardrossan and Brodick has been absent since early this year - and may not return until the week beginning Monday, June 9. MV Caledonian Isles has been out of action since January 2024 when it went in for its annual overhaul. Repeated delays followed until it was announced that the vessel would return in November last year. But this was set back by the discovery of "steel deformation" and the need to replace both stern tube bearings. This pushed MV Caledonian Isles' return back until the end of March this year, only for it to be delayed again. A return in late April was then expected before it was announced that passengers would have to wait until the end of May at the earliest. Now, CalMac has advised that there is a "potential" further delay coming only weeks out from the anticipated return. The warning comes after the propulsion shafts, which were sent to Denmark for machining, arrived back at the vessel approximately 10 days later than scheduled. This was due to the need for additional works identified during the process. Despite the possible delay, CalMac says it is prepared for a return to service from any point from June 1 onwards. It also reaffirmed its commitment to MV Caledonian Isles operating out of Ardrossan when she returns. Duncan Mackison, the company's CEO, said: 'Progress has been checked every step of the way throughout what has been a complex repair programme. "This delay in completing the shafts has not affected confidence levels that MV Caledonian Isles will be serving Arran again in just a few weeks' time. 'A timeline which saw the vessel back in service by the end of May built in contingency, but that has largely been used up by the delay in getting the shafts back on board. "We anticipated the contingency time being required during alignment and sea trials, the critical phase of works we expect to enter next week when the vessel floats up. 'If we complete alignment and sea trials and there's no issues whatsoever, the original plan for resuming service by June 1 is viable and we're also planning for that eventuality. "But given the length of time the vessel has been in dock, it is prudent to build that contingency back in to give certainty to the community on Arran. 'Further details on her return to service will be confirmed in due course.' MV Alfred, which is on charter from Pentland Ferries, will continue to operate Troon-Brodick in early June should MV Caledonian Isles be delayed.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Arran ferry to return to Ardrossan two months later than planned
The MV Caledonian Isles is expected to return to service sailing between Ardrossan and Brodick in June. Passengers sailing between Arran and the mainland will be able to travel via Ardrossan for the first time in almost six months in June. CalMac have announced that the MV Caledonian Isles is expected to return to service from week beginning Monday, June 9 - around two months later than initially hoped. Delays with repairs to the propulsion shafts - which were sent to Denmark for machining - and further, unexpected repairs being undertaken have delayed the return of the MV Caledonian Isles. Alignment and sea trials are expected to begin next week ahead of the MV Caledonian Isles returning to service in June. The MV Glen Sannox and the MV Alfred will continue to operate services to Arran exclusively from Troon until at least June. In an update to customers, CalMac said: "To provide certainty to our customers, we need to update the expected return to service date for MV Caledonian Isles, which ordinarily provides services to Arran. We now expect the vessel to return to service w/c Monday, June 9 instead of end of May. As previously communicated, we are committed to her operating Ardrossan-Brodick and we will be prepared for a return to service from any point from June 1 onwards. "We have needed to review this date following the delay in the return of her propulsion shafts which were sent to Denmark for machining, during which time additional works were identified. She will begin to float up next week – and with this the next critical phase of work will begin with alignment and sea trials. "Until MV Caledonian Isles returns to service, MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred will continue to operate on Troon-Brodick service, to the current timetable. "Once we have confirmation of MV Caledonian Isles' readiness to return, we will publish details of her initial sailings via the service status page for the route. She is likely to be phased in to service over a short period of time rather than immediately beginning 5 return sailings per day. "Bookings from/to Ardrossan - Brodick will remain available in the booking system from Sunday 1 June. We'll review this on w/c 19 May as work progresses. We want to ensure we don't amend or move bookings unless it is necessary. If your booking is affected, we will be in touch with you." Ardrossan Harbour is too small to cope with the MV Glen Sannox - the second largest and the most complex vessel ever built for CalMac - and its sister ship the MV Glen Rosa. Plans to upgrade the harbour were previously approved by the Scottish Government in 2018 but discussions between stakeholders stalled the work has yet to start. In February, the Scottish Government announced they would explore nationalising Ardrossan Harbour so that upgrades could be done to allow the Arran ferry to return.
