You couldn't make it up.

[vic mcclymont]

The new hybrid ferries being in Turkey for Calmac, will have to run on diesels because there is insufficient power at the ports to charge the batteries. The upgraded power systems will not available until late 2027.
That coupled with delayed Glen Sannox and Rosa having no facilities to bunker LNG until God knows when, makes you wonder about those in charge.
Vic

[James Curry]

Vic, would I be right in saying Cal Mac has always been subsidised by the government be it the SCottish or Westminster governments?
I would imagine it would have to be otherwise how would those on the Western Isles cope?
How did it get to the stage that the fleet is so old and costly to repair and to keep running ? Someone asleep at the wheel.

[vic mcclymont]

Caledonian Stem Packet Company and David Macbrayne were nationalized to become Caledonian Macbrayne (Known as Calmac) and perated successfully for years.
In 2016 (ish) in order to circumvent EU rules the Scottish Goverment split the company into two, Calmac and CMal.
Calmac own no ships and are merely the operator, CMal are own the ships piers etc and are responsible for tendering and ordering of new ships, they also own all the ships.
Cmal is an executive wing of Scottish Transport which is directly responsible to the Scottish Government.
In effect none of the calamities which are happening are nothing to do with Calmac.
I like many are guilty of blaming Calmac when in actual fact it is CMal who are the culprits along with their pals Scottish Transport.
Its easy to blame Calmac as they are the front facing part of the organisation.
Interesting fact more ships were built under Thatcher than has been for Calmac since.
Vic

[James Curry]

Thanks Vic, How many are on order in Turkey? It is disgusting that the country that was one of the largest ship building nations in the world is reduce to this.
But is it any wonder orders are being placed abroad when this happens.

The Glen Sannox has been delivered six years late and four times over budget

At least First Minister John Swinney has apologised "unreservedly" to islanders affected by delays in building two ferries to serve off Scotland's west coast.
Ah well that will make the Islanders feel better.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Maybe they would e better off importing politicians from Turkey might thn get them built in the UK.
Des

[James Curry]

Des, have you seen the makeup of the UK parliament, think there is enough of imports in the Palace of Westminster, only last year there was a Scottish 1st minister Humza Yousaf, First Minister Humza Yousaf has been spotted wearing a kilt as he attended the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III. I wonder what the Tartan was

Wales also had a chap as 1st minister Humphrey Vaughan ap David Gething was born on 15 March 1974 in Lusaka, Zambia. To be fair he moved to Wales when he was 2. For some strange reason he accepted £200,000 from a covicted criminal, why?he resigned after a vote of no confidence.

1st minister in Northern Ireland SF at least she has nice eye brows, sense of humour , the eye brows quote was aimed at someone who was clearly admiring her cleavage/boobs.

[happy daze john in oz]

Have a look at the Oz tennis open on now.
I doubt if there are 10% of names that can be pronounced.