FERRY cancellations have again hit islands businesses as another vessel in CalMac’s ageing fleet broke down. The Coruisk was replaced by the Loch Linnhe but not before disruption to daytripper and tourist traffic hit revenues and added further uncertainty to already anxious times. The fragile ferry infrastructure has also been stretched by positive Covid results on crew levels and weather, with no results yet in the push towards adequate cover. Although Transport Scotland told The Herald it is “actively exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage and looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve resilience”, the prospect of serious disruption between now and the introduction of the two new ferries, with one set for next summer and the other potentially not seeing its first summer season until 2024, looms large.
Mairi Gougeon replaces Ewing to lead Scotland’s farm policy >More in
Mairi Gougeon has replaced Fergus Ewing as the Scottish government’s rural affairs cabinet secretary.
The SNP MSP said it was an “incredible honour” to take over the position from Mr Ewing, who had held the cabinet secretary post for rural economy since 2016.
Ms Gougeon’s new role covers a wide remit including farming, fisheries and aquaculture, food and drink policy, and policies for Scotland’s island communities.
“I follow the inimitable @FergusEwingSNP and know first hand how hard he worked on behalf of Scotland’s farmers and fishers,” the MSP for Angus North and Mearns said on Twitter.