2 out of 30 ferry services cancelled, one for a day – The Great Scottish Ferry Inconvenience of 2026 as we sail up to the Election
So, above and below, this is what BBC Scotland correctly calls ‘widespread disruption across the West coast network‘ but which many call a ‘crisis’ and one ‘newspaper’ has compared to the Highland Clearances! Here’s the key to the symbols: The Oban-Colonsay cancellation is only for Thursday. The Mallaig-Lochboisdale-Oban cancellation is until Friday 17 April. The other 28 services, despite, according to BBC Scotland a quarter of CalMac vessels being out-of-service, are operating normally or just inconveniently. This won’t last, as vessels return but the ‘ferry fiasco’ frenzied narrative looks like sailing on to Election day on 7 May. Luckily 95% of … Continue reading 2 out of 30 ferry services cancelled, one for a day – The Great Scottish Ferry Inconvenience of 2026 as we sail up to the Election
A resident of Islay is frustrated despite services running normally because…they gave Barra a loan of his new boat!
it’s redeploying the island’s new ferry to a different route, amid widespread disruption across the West coast network. The MV Isle of Islay only started serving the island’s route last week, but today it will be redeployed to Barra to restore a normal service there. The ferry operator says the MV Alfred will move to cover Islay as a second vessel alongside the MV Finlaggan from tomorrow afternoon. The above is in Reporting Scotland’s wee half-hourly inserts in BBC Breakfast (6-9am) this morning but not, so far, in full on their website, so I cannot see who all these ‘resident’s … Continue reading A resident of Islay is frustrated despite services running normally because…they gave Barra a loan of his new boat!
CalMac ‘concerns’ predicted to have almost no effect on Holyrood election result despite media carpet bombing
The Ipsos poll published today has Public transport/roads 10th, with 18%, in the list of issues respondents say will affect their vote. Perhaps surprisingly, given the MSM obsession with them, no poll ever asks about ferries explicitly. An AI estimate, based on media coverage, of the breakdown is Potholes up to 50% of the 18% or 9%; CalMac 25-35% or 6%, A9 dualing 10-20% or 4% and others 10-15% or 2%. So, at worst, only 94% of voters will not consider the ferries when voting. Footnote – OCD prof predicted to keep wasting his time, despite the above, defending CalMac, … Continue reading CalMac ‘concerns’ predicted to have almost no effect on Holyrood election result despite media carpet bombing
Very short video – So, rent controls, second home tax hikes, the child payment, free prescriptions, free tuition…….why would anyone in their right mind ever want a Labour government in Scotland again?
More at – https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2025/10/01/so-rent-controls-second-home-tax-hikes-the-child-payment-free-prescriptions-free-tuition-why-would-anyone-in-their-right-mind-ever-want-a-labour-government-in-scotland-never-mind-reform-uk/ Continue reading Very short video – So, rent controls, second home tax hikes, the child payment, free prescriptions, free tuition…….why would anyone in their right mind ever want a Labour government in Scotland again?
Things can only get better as SNP councils boost their income fairly with second home taxes of up to 500% more
As Telegraph readers splurt into in their cornflakes this morning
Fantastic news as Telegraph accurately predicts its readers with second homes in Scotland WILL face uncapped tax rises of up to 500%
In the Telegraph yesterday, the above and: They were not wrong. Back in September last year, they had: Scotland plots uncapped council tax rises for second home owners – Green Party’s ‘pile on the costs’ proposal will be ‘gold standard’ for tackling homelessness. Councils in Scotland are poised to be granted powers to penalise second home owners with uncapped council tax premiums. ‘Plots’ not ‘plans?’ On the Second Homes Tax, I know, based on the evidence that matters, access to a decent home for local people on moderate incomes, it is a good thing and the more it has effect the … Continue reading Fantastic news as Telegraph accurately predicts its readers with second homes in Scotland WILL face uncapped tax rises of up to 500%
Reposted as we head for the line
Why Labour and others are wrong in seeking to merge CalMac and CMAL, why Norway does not compare and how the current system protects the islanders from the harsh economies they would face
The initial decision to separate ownership/procurement (CMAL) from operations (CalMac) in 2006, by Jack McConnell and Douglas Alexander, was based on the notion that it can create better incentives for efficiency and performance while allowing the public sector to retain strategic control over fares, service standards, routes, quality, and subsidies, to protect islanders. Contrary to the media frenzy driven largely by an inarticulate, evidence-free, media-constructed popular culture and/or explicit opposition party opportunism, it has worked to protect islanders. While some have insisted on comparison only with Norway, $2 trillion in the bank and full independence, while Scotland, one hand tied … Continue reading Why Labour and others are wrong in seeking to merge CalMac and CMAL, why Norway does not compare and how the current system protects the islanders from the harsh economies they would face
Massive fall in numbers waiting in A&E in Scotland in February including 24% drop in 12 hour waits
From Accident and emergency Accredited official statistics, published today, for Type 1 emergency departments, in February 2026: These are dramatic falls in one month. Continue reading Massive fall in numbers waiting in A&E in Scotland in February including 24% drop in 12 hour waits
Talking-up Scotland 