[ad_1]
The SNP Government has been urged to explain what happens next in Scotland’s troubled ferry network after the MV Pentalina ran aground in Orkney.
Although around 60 passengers were evacuated safely, Scots Tory MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said the incident “could have had catastrophic consequences”.
The MV Pentalina only returned to service with Pentland Ferries last week to allow the company’s newer vessel, the MV Alfred, to begin sea trials ahead of a £9million charter with state-owned CalMac.
READ MORE: MV Pentalina incident: 60 passengers evacuated after ferry runs aground in Orkney
Pentland Ferries announced on Sunday morning: “We regret that all sailings are cancelled. We are contacting all customers that are due to travel. Further updates will follow.”
The MV Pentalina is now at the quayside at St Margaret’s Hope but it is not clear how long it will be out of action or whether the MV Alfred catamaran will have to return early.
Mr Halcro Johnston, who is from Orkney, said: “This is a hugely concerning incident and one which could have had catastrophic consequences.
“Mercifully, all the passengers on board appear to have been evacuated unscathed thanks to the superb efforts of the RNLI, our emergency services and the MV Pentalina crew.
“The Pentalina was only summoned back into action this week because the MV Alfred had to be seconded from Pentland Ferries to help plug gaps in the ageing, unreliable CalMac fleet.
“While it will be important to know just how this incident came about, my immediate concern is for what this means for Orkney and how long this vital link for our islands will be severed.
“There are a number of questions the Scottish Government needs to answer, including whether the £9m agreement between CalMac and Pentland Ferries allows for the MV Alfred to be recalled to Orkney early, or if the Alfred will stay on the west coast and Orkney will be left without a key service.”
Ferry crisis now spreading to other Scottish islands
Mr Halcro Johnston said residents, businesses and visitors are suffering yet again due to “years of SNP incompetence and failure to procure new vessels”.
He went on: “I have previously warned that the crisis we have seen on the west coast routes risked spreading across Scotland’s island communities, and we’re now seeing that happening.
“This all stems from the SNP’s appalling record on vessel procurement – and in particular the delayed delivery of the infamous Ferguson Marine boats – which has left CalMac with decrepit ferries that are breaking down on a regular basis.
“Scotland simply doesn’t have enough working ferries to plug all the gaps left by 16 years of SNP mismanagement. Our island communities cannot continue to suffer due to their shameful neglect of lifeline services.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
READ NEXT:
Never miss the latest top headlines from the Scottish Daily Express. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
[ad_2]
Source link