Professor John Robertson OBA

Four days ago, Joe Robertson, Tory MP for the Isle of Wight has called again for measures to end the ‘ferry rip-off punishing coastal Britain’ [sic].¹

We’ve highlighted these disparities and the generosity of CalMac prices several times but just last month we had:

In July 2025, a medium size car with four passengers, Portsmouth to Fishbourne with Wightlink Ferries, would cost you between £210 and £300, depending time of sailing. From Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel would be between £200 and £288. It’s a 12 mile, 45 minute journey.^{2, 3}

The Oban to Mull crossing is similar at 15 miles and 45 minutes but costs only £76 to £98, a third of the cost.⁴

Sources:

1. https://www.politicshome.com/opinion/article/its-time-end-ferry-ripoff-punishing-coastal-britain
2. https://www.wightlink.co.uk/tickets/vehicle-tickets
3. https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/fares
4. https://www.directferries.co.uk/oban_craignure_ferry.htm

How has this been achieved in Scotland?

In October 2008, Transport Scotland introduced the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) fares policy as a pilot on routes to the Outer Hebrides, Coll and Tiree (and made permanent in 2012). The principle of RET is that ferry fares should be set on the basis of travelling an equivalent distance by road plus a fixed fare element aimed at cost recovery. RET was intended to reduce the cost disadvantage faced by island communities and promote the islands as places to live, work, visit, invest and conduct business. In 2012, the policy was extended to cover Colonsay, Gigha and Islay. It was then further extended to the two Arran routes and Campbelltown in 2014. Finally, in October 2015, RET was rolled-out to all remaining routes, including the high-volume routes of Oban – Craignure, Wemyss Bay – Rothesay and Largs – Cumbrae.

What has the RET achieved?

Increase demand for ferry services by making ferry travel more affordable and accessible. Increase tourism and supporting existing tourism markets. Enhance local economies and the wider national economy.

Do the so-called representatives of the islanders ever recognise this?

Nope.

As well as this subsidy in the form of lost tax revenue, the Scottish Government directly subsidises CalMac, by £3.7 billion over ten years.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-the-proposed-subsidy-to-calmac-ferries-limited-by-transport-scotland

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/49397/evaluation-of-road-equivalent-tariff-on-the-clyde-and-hebridean-network.pdfNovember 10, 2025johnrobertson834art, photography, summer, travelEdit