51AVÊÓÆµ

Farmers can ill-afford CalMac ferry shortage 'fiasco'

NFU Scotland said CalMac must prioritise farm businesses in remote island communities which rely on ferries after the operator has faced challenges running services due to technical problems and maintenance issues

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
NFUS vice-president Duncan Macalister said: "For island farmers and crofters, reliable ferry services are not a luxury, they are essential infrastructure that underpins day-to-day business. At this time of year, disruption creates immediate and very real challenges. Livestock movements are delayed, and vital supplies like feed and fertiliser risk not arriving when they are needed most."
Image:

NFUS vice-president Duncan Macalister said: "For island farmers and crofters, reliable ferry services are not a luxury, they are essential infrastructure that underpins day-to-day business. At this time of year, disruption creates immediate and very real challenges. Livestock movements are delayed, and vital supplies like feed and fertiliser risk not arriving when they are needed most."

A shortage of ferries in Scotland could have a detrimental impact on farm businesses in remote island communities as an operator is urged to resolve the situation as soon as possible. CalMac said eight...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Like farmers in the UK, food producers in the US are facing an uphill battle with skyrocketing increases to key farm inputs

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 6 min read
Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

UK growers are under renewed pressure from conflict in the Middle East, and all at a time when margins were already under significant strain

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 3 min read
Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Are Labour voters more likely to put almond alternatives in their tea? And are Tories and Reform voters more likely to have whole milk in their coffee?

Chris Brayford
clock 18 April 2026 • 2 min read