A prominent Scottish councillor has called on leasing to solve a
chronic funding problem in the Western Isles region, as citizens of
Scotland’s remote Outer Hebrides face increasing waits between
visits from aging ferry boats.
The Western Isles ferry fleet, operated by Calmac Ferries and owned
by holding company CMAL, has failed to meet targets aimed at
replacing one ferry a year, meaning that many vessels are now more
than five years past the proposed replacement age of 25.
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Now, with the increasingly tattered fleet struggling to make its
rounds on time, Transport consultant firm Faber Maunsell has
suggested that rejuvenation of the service may cost up to £0.25
billion – a price tag that demanding more capital than is likely to
be granted to the dwindling population of the islands.
As a result, the regional council’s vice-chairman of transport
services, Donald John MacSween, has called for a new ways to
conquer the quarter-billion capex obstacle, including the use of
leasing. He commented: “This is a huge cost, and the ferry fleet
does need to be renewed, but it might not be such a difficult
position as some people make out. The old ships have a resale value
which can contribute to the capital cost of new ships. It might
also be beneficial for CMAL to look at leasing, instead of
building, ships.”
Highland Council leader Michael Foxley added: “The services are
obviously extremely important for the islands, but they are also
important for the mainland ports and the surrounding economy. We
need a modern and efficient ferry system in the Highlands and
islands, and we need ways of accelerating the provision of such a
service.”
The Scottish Government is due to release a review of ferry
services for consultation this summer, which is expected to bring
possible solutions closer to fruition.
Fred Crawley
