CalMac looking to recover repair costs for MV Caledonian Isles
But its return has been considerably delayed, with CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison saying last month it is 'impossible to say' when it will return.
A hull deformity was discovered after repairs were done by Cammell Laird in Birkenhead near Liverpool, which has had a knock-on effect which has prompted CalMac to begin proceedings to recover at least some of the money spent.
READ MORE: Scotland weather to hit 'up to 28C' amid heatwave across country
In a statement, a spokesman for the operator said: 'Following an investigation into the cause of the hull deformity, action is under way to recover costs.
'As this is commercially sensitive and subject to legal proceedings, we cannot comment further.'
The long-running saga of the Caledonian Isles is yet another issue which has hit transport to Scotland's west coast islands in recent years, along with the major delays and cost overruns to two ferries being built at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow.
The Glen Sannox entered service in January, while the Glen Rosa is not expected until next year, with projected costs rising from £97m when the contract was signed to more than £400m.
The loss of the Caledonian Isles has also meant there have been no sailings from Ardrossan in six months.
While the MV Isle of Arran has been re-shuffled to take over the route from Monday for the next two weeks, both the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa are too big for the port in the North Ayrshire town and as such have been sailing from Troon, further down the coast.
READ MORE: Devolved relations reset with Labour has 'failed', says SNP official
Locals fear the impact of losing the ferry service on the local economy, while islanders on Arran have also expressed concerns about getting to medical appointments on the mainland.
The Scottish Government has said it is looking at buying the port from operator Peel Ports to make necessary upgrades to allow the ferries to dock there, but talks are said to have stalled.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots pro-trans group launches bizarre defence of ‘men who can BREASTFEED'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TRANS lobby group funded by the Scottish Government has been blasted for moaning that the rights of males 'who are able to breastfeed' are at risk after the Supreme Court ruling on gender. Scottish Trans has raised concerns over the protections available to those who have transitioned seeking pregnancy and maternity support. 1 Scottish Trans has complained that the EHRC's consultation threatens the rights of men "who are able to breastfeed" Credit: Getty The charity's complaints came in a response to watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission's consultation on a new code of practice for interpreting the law. But Susan Smith, from For Women Scotland, blasted the controversial practice of men who have transitioned to women breastfeeding. The campaigner said: 'Men who do this should be investigated for putting the health of a baby at risk.' Scottish Trans, part of the Equality Network, has received hundreds of thousands of pounds of Scottish Government funding in the past decade. The charity said they 'strongly disagree' with EHRC's statement that the explanation of the legal rights and responsibilities set out in the new content defining sex at birth is clear. It has published a response, complaining that there is 'now significant uncertainty following the ruling on whether trans women who are able to breastfeed can access pregnancy and maternity protection if they experience discrimination. 'We think that if they are unable to access these protections as a result of the ruling, that this is a further significant impact on trans people's equality and protection from discrimination, that the Commission has a statutory duty to highlight.' The group added: 'In addition, there is now significant uncertainty, following the Supreme Court ruling, on whether trans women who are able to breastfeed can access protection under section 13(6)(a) of the Equality Act if they experience discrimination because of this. 'We think that if they are unable to, as a result of the ruling, that this is a further significant negative impact on trans people's equality and protection from discrimination, that the Commission has a statutory duty to highlight.' Transgender women claim to be able to breastfeed, a process known as induced lactation, through therapy that mimics the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Man, 39, dies in hospital after 'major incident' in Scots town as cops lock down street & arrest suspect Medications such as estrogen and progesterone are often used to stimulate breast tissue development, followed by a transition to a medication called domperidone and a reduction in estrogen, to trigger milk production. But activists have voiced safety and nutrition concerns over trans women breastfeeding. Ms Smith said: 'Scottish Trans didn't seem worried when the Scottish Government lawyers argued that pregnant women who identified as men should lose all legal protection to maternity rights, but they have sprung into action to defend men who want to feed drug-induced discharge to babies. 'Women are routinely told that they should avoid alcohol and medication while breastfeeding, so far from being encouraged and protected, men who do this should be investigated for putting the health of a baby at risk.' Scottish Tory shadow minister for equalities, Tess White MSP, said: 'This is absolutely ludicrous. The Supreme Court's ruling in April couldn't be clearer; sex is based on biology. 'It's simply a matter of common sense that only women can become pregnant and breastfeed healthy milk to a baby. Health and Safety are paramount. 'It is vital John Swinney and his Ministers ensure that public bodies are upholding the law rather than bowing to irrational gender self-ID zealotry.' In April, Supreme Court judges clarified that sex in equality law is based on biological sex — not whatever gender a person says they are. It came after a challenge by feminist group For Women Scotland, who defeated the Scottish Government in court. SNP ministers had argued that anyone with a gender recognition certificate should be treated as the sex they say they are, for all purposes. New guidance related to the ruling and how organisations should act is now being drawn up by the EHRC.
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
SNP Government to meet Orange Order after walk 'hit with air pellets'
A procession was passing along Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street, near to Kelvingrove Street, when the incident reportedly happened on Saturday. Police said no-one was seriously injured but condemned the 'dangerous occurrence' and said investigations were continuing. READ NEXT: 'We apologise': Latest on Glasgow City Council's cyber attack READ NEXT: 18 road safety schemes to be installed in Glasgow streets - what we know The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland later released a statement condemning the 'alarming' suspected air weapon incident and expressing 'deep concern'. It stated: 'This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. 'The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily.' In a Scottish Government statement, Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown confirmed that representatives would meet the Orange Order. 'It is deeply concerning that anyone would seek to attack a public march and put those taking part, as well as spectators and the wider public, at risk,' Brown said. "Ministers condemn behaviour of this kind against any individual or organisation, for which there can be no justification whatsoever. "The Scottish Government fully supports Police Scotland to take appropriate action following its investigation and will shortly meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge to hear their concerns.' The Orange walks were part of celebrations for the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow and Orange Lodges in Lanarkshire to remember the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Thousands of people took part in Scotland's largest city on Saturday in the biggest Orange event of the year. Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire on the same day. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, event commander for the annual Boyne processions in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said: 'Police in Lanarkshire made four arrests following the Orange Order procession on Saturday July 5 2025. 'The offences were primarily for breach of the peace and acts of anti-social behaviour. 'There were no arrests at the event in Glasgow, however, we are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets. 'Thankfully, no-one was seriously injured and our enquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing. 'A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community. 'I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout.'
Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Wheatley named UK's biggest builder of social rented homes
Wheatley Group delivered 563 homes for social rent during 2024-25, according to Inside Housing magazine's annual survey of new-build activity across the UK. The group also completed 281 homes for mid-market rent, aimed at households earning up to £46,000 who do not have priority for social housing but cannot afford to buy. Read more: Pilot project in Glasgow hopes to change future of housebuilding Plans submitted for dozens of new affordable homes in Glasgow Steven Henderson, chief executive of Wheatley Group, said: "Being named the UK's biggest builder of homes for social rent once again is a real badge of honour and reflects Wheatley's strong commitment to tackling the housing crisis. "Over the past decade, we've built more energy-efficient homes for social rent than any other organisation in the UK, transforming communities and giving thousands of families a safe place they're proud to call home. "However, we won't stop here. "By working closely with the Scottish Government and our local authority partners, we are already on track to deliver nearly 700 social and mid-market homes in this coming financial year." In total, Wheatley completed 844 new homes in 2024-25, representing a 142% increase on the previous year. The group's new-build programme is delivered through its Registered Social Landlords, including Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South, and Loretto Housing, with support from government and local partners.
