The future of ferries

The Scottish Government will fund the provision and maintenance of weather monitoring equipment at harbours owned by third parties to increase resilience.

In a statement to parliament, Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth will confirm the expansion of equipment currently in place at CMAL ports to third-party ports.

Ms Gilruth said: “This year has seen some of the most unpredictable weather we have ever experienced and I know that island communities may be anxious for the winter.

“I’m pleased to confirm the expansion of tide and weather monitoring equipment to  all ports, to help reduce the number, timing and extent of delays and cancellations related to adverse weather.

“This is of course part of wider ongoing efforts to improve our ferry network, which I will expand upon in parliament on Thursday afternoon.”