CalMac payouts soaring as SNP has let ferry network deteriorate, claim Lib Dems

State-owned ferry operator CalMac has paid out more than £460,000 in compensation to passengers because of delays and cancellations since April last year.

The Liberal Democrats said the bill is “soaring” because ministers at Holyrood had “let the Scottish ferry network deteriorate”, with delays impacting the delivering of planned new vessels.

CalMac paid £432,735 in compensation to travellers in 2024-25, with a further £33,792 paid out in May and June this year – the first two months of 2025-26.

The compensation bill for last year is up by more than 37% from 2023-24, when CalMac paid out £314,494 – but is still lower than in 2022-23 when payments amounted to £454,000.

It comes as the ferry operator, which runs lifeline services to islands on Scotland’s west coast, struggles with reliability issues due to its aging fleet of vessels.

The Glen Sannox ferry, built by Port Glasgow shipyard Ferguson Marine, was delivered years late and over budget, while sister ship the Glen Rosa is not now due to de delivered until early next year.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: “The bill for cancellations and compensation is soaring because the SNP have let the Scottish ferry network deteriorate.”

Data released to the Liberal Democrats under freedom of information laws show there were 7,058 customer claims made to CalMac in the two years between April 2023 and April 2025.

Since 2017-18, the ferry firm has paid out more than £1.9m, with Mr Greene claiming “massive bills” for compensation and repairs are now the “grim norm” for the operator.

He spoke out on the issue as his party launched its own consultation on the future of the country’s ferry services.

Lib Dems are appealing to people to have their say on what they believe are the key challenges facing the network, and how these could be addressed.

Mr Greene stressed “hard working” staff at CalMac have been “let down by an SNP Government that took control of the company and broke their promise to deliver new ferries on time and on budget, which would have reduced the massive bills we are now seeing for compensation and repairs”.

Jamie Greene said CalMac’s growing compensation costs are the ‘grim norm’ . PA Media

The Liberal Democrat West of Scotland MSP added: “All of this has created a grim new norm for my constituents along the west coast, from losing business to missing hospital appointments.

“The SNP have caused islanders to lose faith in the entire political system, but Scottish Liberal Democrats want to restore that faith.

“That’s why we’re listening to everyone who has been messed around. Our consultation is asking for views on how we can secure a better future for Scotland’s ferries.

“Whether it’s as an islander, a marine expert, a shipbuilder or more, I am asking everyone who has a stake in the network for their views on what needs to be done to fix problems, deliver better services and end the ferries fiasco for good.”

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “As part of our commitment to customers, we offer compensation if their journey has been disrupted or cancelled for specific reasons, including technical issues. This includes additional expenses paid for items such meals, accommodation and extra mileage.

“We’re operating more sailings than ever before, with many of our vessels stretched to their limits. When disruption does occur, we do our best to move customers on to alternate sailings wherever possible. If that isn’t possible, they can claim costs back through our robust passenger rights policy.

“It is no secret that our fleet is ageing and that this can lead to higher levels of technical problems.

“This is why we are looking forward to welcoming 13 new vessels to the CalMac fleet by 2029, which will lead to less technical problems and cancellations, giving passengers a more reliable service.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Between Jan 2015 and June 2025 CalMac have operated over 1.6 million sailings, with just 5.5% of scheduled sailings cancelled. Of those cancelled sailings, 25% were for technical reasons whilst more than double was due to the weather at 60%.

“CalMac are delivering services in increasingly challenging weather and the arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029, which started with MV Glen Sannox in January this year, will reduce technical issues and these modern vessels should also be able to operate in more challenging weather and sea conditions.

“In the coming year, the Scottish Government intend to invest over £530m maintaining and enhancing our networks, and strengthening resilience of services on the west coast and northern isles. This represents a near 23% increase on 24-25 funding levels.

”Stakeholder feedback is important and that is why we regularly consult with island communities. The Cabinet Secretary has also been visiting islands over the summer to hear from users and ferry staff, with the latest visit taking place this week.”