The 67 year-old, still in-service MV Tillikum in Washington State USA, 23 years older than CalMac’s oldest
The 62 year-old, still in-service MV Queen of New Westminster in Canada 18 years older than CalMac’s oldest
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Back in 2022, BBC Scotland offered the above, under the heading – The problem with CalMac’s ageing ferries. Even after you add 4 years, you’ll hopefully be surprised to see that that even the oldest above, are not at all ‘ageing‘, in parts of the world far wealthier than Scotland.
How about BC Ferries in Canada (Vancouver)?
Six, all older, three far older than the MV Isle of Arran.
How about Washington State (Seattle) in the US?
Five extremely ageing vessels still sailing.
Neither have replacements due. CalMac has 7.
Finally, are our boats not better looking that those rust-buckets above? Even the oldest, the Isle of Arran?
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Human kind all have an expected life span, some of whom, myself included, exceed their anticipated useful service life.
Would the BBC support the notion that humans should be scrapped upon reaching the end of their notional service life? “Bladerunner” come true?
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Scotland’s ferries fleet are on average slightly younger than merchant vessels worldwide which is 26 yrs. The availability of yards worldwide has decreased which is making replacing old vessels difficult though Scotland does appear to be ahead of the game with new vessels on order.
Stuart McNicoll.
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John, This is under premium but thought it would interest you
Liverpudlian drug dealer Lee Campbell, 36, was caught with the “graft” phone used to run the “Postcode” county line supplying heroin to Aberdeen. Read more: https://ebx.sh/Et5bzW
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Thanks
Did something on this a few days back
https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/09/15/for-at-least-8-years-now-english-drug-gangs-bringing-misery-to-scotland-from-liverpool-but-ignored-by-the-media-operating-here/
John
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100,000+ islanders. 40 ferries. 2 on order. One ferry per 2,500. A small ration. Subsidised ferry and flights.
.2 innovative ferries will save £Billions in fuel. Spend millions to save billions. An investment.
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