MORE than half of Scotland s lifeline ferry network is operating outwith its working life expectancy leading to new calls for a shake-up of the crisis-hit services. The Herald can reveal that a new analysis shows 16 of the state-owned ferry operator s 31 working ferries deployed across Scotland is now over 25 years old. It comes as the network was hit with further disruption through new ferry breakdowns over the last month - and a fifth delay to the completion of repairs to CalMac s biggest ferry MV Loch Seaforth. It now not expected back in service till this May 28 at the earliest, having been pulled in for engine work a month ago.
Sailing aboard the Whimbrel will give the chosen artists a whole different experience ARTISTS in Scotland are being offered the chance to “breathe fresh energy into their work”, by spending a week-long residency aboard a yacht sailing the nation’s coastline. The project, a collaboration between Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) and Marchmont House, will give two artists the chance to spend a week at sea aboard the Whimbrel, a 50ft catamaran. Not only will the chosen artists be able to set their own itinerary for the voyage, they will receive a stipend plus travel expenses to and from Troon where it is moored.