Every major island in the Hebrides has a ‘Ferry Committee’. They are there to represent the users, and ensure your voice and priorities are heard. They are critical for consultation, and have access to all agencies involved in delivering ferry services.
Years ago that meant simply meeting with CalMac regularly and passing on concerns, suggestions and problems. Now however, CalMac are just one agency among several who are responsible for our lifeline ferries. CalMac Ferries Ltd has the government contract to run ferries in the Clyde and Hebrides. The ferries and most of the shore facilities are owned by another (state owned) company, Caledonian Maritime Assetts Ltd (CMAL). The funding, timetables and scope of the contract is managed by Transport Scotland – the government agency that manages all public transport in Scotland. In our case we also have one other agency involved – Argyll and Bute Council. They own Craignure Pier, Fionnphort slip and Iona slip.
Then of course there are our Councillors, MSPs and Scottish Government itself – all of these agencies and individuals have different responsibilities within the whole picture. So we have to make representations to all of them, depending on the issue.
The committee has 19 positions, with each member representing a different local sector. The current members are listed here together with their contact emails. If you have need to get in touch about a particular problem or issue, please feel free to contact whichever member you prefer.