Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has sought an update from the Scottish Government on the impact on ferry users of the current CalMac strikes.

He said, “It is disappointing that the unwarranted “privatisation” scare mongering about the upcoming retender process for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry service has resulted in this strike action. I am grateful to the Minister for his update and it is good news that most services will be available today (Wednesday) and Thursday. But it is sad news that there will be little in the way of services on Friday.

He went on, “Well done to the Government on taking the disruption seriously with Resilience Unit and ministerial meetings working to minimise disruption. I echo the Minister’s call for travellers and other users to absorb the relevant travel bulletins and contact Cal Mac if necessary.

He ended with, “The open and honest way the Scottish Government is proceeding with this legally required Tender process is exemplified by the announcement today (Wed) by the Minister to have an Independent Panel scrutinising the process to guarantee transparency in the decision making process. This Panel will have local communities, and trade union representation to ensure the widest possible franchise.

Notes:

From the Scottish Parliament Official Record 24th June 2015.

Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP): Coming back to the immediate impact of the strike later this week, I too am very concerned for my constituents and for tourism businesses in particular, in my constituency and further afield. Can the minister elaborate a wee bit on what he is doing to help to mitigate the effects of the strike?

Derek Mackay: The impact of the strike is likely to be varied across the network. CalMac estimates that, today and tomorrow, approximately 80 to 90 per cent of service provision is likely to be delivered.

On Friday, the main strike day, the major vessel routes are expected to be off, so my advice to the travelling public is to check with information sources such as CalMac. The Scottish Government resilience unit has met twice to discuss the subject. There has been ministerial involvement to ensure that the impact of industrial action is minimised, and we have put out extensive messaging on road and rail networks advising travellers of the impact of ferry disruption. We are asking people to check with CalMac, and we are trying to help individuals through what is a difficult time for the islands.

CalMac has issued more specific information on the revised timetables for the rest of the week. I hope that the on-going efforts will avert any further action.