You Could Not Make It Up - The Scottish Ferries Fiasco As HIE Enters The Fray
6th November 2022
From time to time the problems with two new ferries being built to service the west coast islands appears in the news.
Now Highlands and Islands Enterprise has stepped into the fray to give a grant of £15,000 to The Mull and Iona Ferry Committee (MIFC) to undertake a feasibility study looking at alternative ownership of ferries through a community company who want to take over. The cost of the two ferries at the Ferguson yard continues to spiral. The Scottish Government does not want to allow any form of privatisation. Yet those of who live in Caithness and Orkney know that the most efficient and cost effective ferry from Caithness to Orkney is run by Pentland Ferries that is a private company.
Here are links to the messy 6 year saga.
The Herald
Crazy - Scots Gov body contradicts FM by devoting public funds to ferry route privatisation plan
Wikipedia
Ferry fiasco
More Information
Caledonian MacBrayne fleet
Ferguson Marine
CalMac's ageing fleet
Ships of the Calmac Fleet
The two ferries delivery dates have continued to be delayed.
PHOTO
Glen Sannox at the yard in 2017
Photographer - Dave Souza
Related Businesses
Related Articles
28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy. Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow. There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses. In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures. The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland. The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.
18/11/2025
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant
A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness. WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.
16/11/2025
Enterprise and innovation agencies join forces in new framework
Scotland's three enterprise agencies have joined the UK's national innovation agency to agree a collaboration framework that aims to help Scotland become one of the most innovative small nations in the world. The Innovation Collaboration Framework for Scotland brings together Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Innovate UK with a commitment to support ambitious businesses to invest in research to drive economic growth, create good jobs and help tackle major societal and environmental challenges.
8/11/2025
£3.4m HIE investment in Arnish Road, Stornoway
The project, led by the Stornoway Port Authority, will involve upgrading the full length of the 3.3km Arnish Moor Road. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £3.4m contribution to a £7.2m public funding package for a major project to transform road access to strategic industrial and port sites on the Isle of Lewis.
4/11/2025
As HIE reaches 60, new chair says best is yet to come
The newly appointed chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) says the region is on the threshold of a new era of economic growth. Angus Campbell's term as chair began officially on 1 November - 60 years to the day since HIE's forerunner, the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) opened for business with just six employees.
Our Social Media
