By Professor John Robertson

One of Andy Fairweather Low’s lesser known releases?

From CTV News, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in February 2024:

BC Ferries is cancelling multiple sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island until Sunday due to a mechanical issue with one of its vessels’ rudders.

The ferry company says its Queen of New Westminster vessel has been taken out of service until the problem can be fixed.

Only a few months ago, CTV News had:

Once again, staffing issues have forced BC Ferries to cancel sailings on a major route between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

The 7 a.m. departure from Swartz Bay and the 9 a.m. departure from Tsawwassen were both called off Wednesday after BC Ferries was “unsuccessful in securing the required number of crew” on the Coastal Inspiration vessel, according to a service notice on the company’s website.

In addition:

The BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union said that unexpected cancellations due to staffing shortage often leads to abuse directed at workers by frustrated passengers.

“There’s been people spitting, yelling, lots of verbal interactions,” said local president Eric McNeely. “And people swerving vehicles at our members of the union.”

Imagine any of that was happening in Scotland. Councillor ‘Independent’ Julian Bingley-Potter of South Uist would be fast-dialling Pacific Quay and the Herald, to report islanders planning to leave, again, after 47 previous threats to do so.