Readers will know that the supposed failure of the SNP Government to invest in new ferries, despite the highest subsidies in the known world, is behind the supposed unreliability of the current stock, average age 22 and among the youngest fleets in the world.
Interestingly, and very nearby, Ireland. How is their economy doing? Could they afford newer ferries than Scotland?
IRELAND’S economy is on a “solid growth path” while Scotland’s potential is being “hampered” in the Union, according to a senior MP. Figures released on Monday show Ireland with 5.5% worth of GDP growth in 2023 and 5% in 2024, while the UK lags behind. In 2023 the UK is expected to see 2.1% growth, followed by 2.6% next year.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/23523518.scotland-hampered-westminster-irish-economy-soars/
From @Seumasabhein today:
7 former and pretty elderly CalMac ferries are still running in one of the most affluent countries in Europe, Ireland.
MV Eigg (1974) Clare Island Ferries MV Kilbrannan (1972) as above, renamed MV Clew Bay Queen
MVs Rhum, Canna, Coll & Morvern, (1974/1975) Arranmore Ferries
MVs Kyleakin & Kyle of Lochalsh (1970), Carrigloe crossing, County Cork.
Source:
You can find them all on wikipedia.
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
I suppose we will have the yoons calling for the SG to take back these ferries.
Re French deal no mention on Scot BBC news surprise,surprise.
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In a BBC News article dated 18 April 2023, the Tory MP for St Ives which includes the Isles of Scilly describes (in terms) the 46 year old lifeline ferry that serves the islands as ‘increasingly reaching its shelf life’ . But note at 46 years, not past it!
Despite the ageing vessel, the article recounts the longstanding uncertainty over UK government finance for a replacement- once it would fund this and now seemingly not! The ferry company has sourced private investment much to the concern of the local authority for what this could mean for the nature and pricing of future services.
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The ferries are nearly as old as the bias of the BBC against Scotland and our status as a country.
We only ever get a pittance of our licence fee money spent here on “Scottish” programs.
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For years 1 ferry a year was built. Under unionists too. Four ferries are being now. Two will save £Billions in fuel.
The railways should have been improved instead of building HS2. Journeys in Scotland take twice as long as in the South. There would be less needs for flights.
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