My latest column in Scots Independent:
Lesley Riddoch in her early April 2026 podcast said on the ferries crisis (literally)
I’ve got to say personally, I’m sick of hearing people on the mainland ‘attack islanders’ for simply expecting that they can be connected. Just to remind you we all live on an island, and it would be a bit like saying Scotland’s a bit too expensive to include in UK national systems so let’s just charge them more. We wouldnae, would we?’
Who are those ‘people’ attacking islanders then? Turns out it’s me!
‘I’m probably gonna lose some friends on this because I am absolutely sick of people blaming the islanders for sort of whinging or for getting more than their just deserts….but the other that’s just driving me crazy is the amount of misrepresentation there is going around and I’ve got to say the otherwise estimable Professor John Robertson who does Talking-up Scotland has got a post, I mean, this is so hurtful to people, on the islands. Many people on the islands have got in touch with me about this. He is very critical of islanders.’
She goes on to reject my comparison between Calmac and five other ferry providers in the UK and North America in favour of comparing with Norway which has a more decentralised privatised system. So, the next day, I get three threats of physical violence should I ever visit certain islands……
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Talking-up Scotland 
Oh dear.. I bet your dead feart now 🙂
“I get three threats of physical violence should I ever visit certain islands……“. Ignore it Prof. Meaningless claptrap from some sectors of business folk on the islands who don’t like being found out.
Stephen McKenzie
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Well, on a bike in Millport?
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The media is obsessed with ferries. They have nothing more to complain about. Or the NHS. The innovative ferries will save £Billions on fuel. Over years and years. The money is invested in ship building in Scotland. Economic growth.
The recent obsession with ferries is quite new. Pointing out there is quite a good ferry service is quite legit. Subsidised fares and flights. The islanders get quite a good deal. Orkney is considered one of the best places to live.
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Has Lesley Riddoch apologised for this yet?
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