WE all know that the story of CalMac’s long awaited Glen Sannox ferry has been anything but plain sailing. So, I was pleased to see that the ferry has now taken to the high seas.
Setting off on its maiden voyage last Monday, I think everyone collectively took a sigh of relief once it began its journey from Troon to Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
Getting to this point has been choppy waters, but it’s great for islanders to have this vital, more reliable connection to the mainland.
As I’ve written previously, the Scottish islands have some of the lowest-paid postcodes in Britain, so Glen Sannox is essential to help these economies grow and flourish.
Having this shiny, new ferry will be a major boost to the local community and businesses alike, allowing for faster delivery of goods and produce, as well as improving trade connections from Arran to the mainland.
It’s also a fantastic boost for tourism in Scotland and that of the Scottish islands.
With a capacity of 127 cars and 852 passengers, the ferry is hoped to improve the reliability and efficiency of getting to and from Arran.
Another great bonus for those who are paying a visit to Scotland from further afield is that Prestwick airport is just ten minutes from Troon.
Speaking of reliability, it’ll be a vast improvement of the ageing fleet which CalMac has been using to get its customers to and from the islands.
So, if you are looking to do some island hopping, there is a better chance you’ll actually get to your destination and not be blighted by the lengthy delays CalMac are now famous, or should I say infamous, for!
Having supposed to be delivered in 2018, both Glen Sannox and sister ship Glen Rosa, have seen a saga of costly delays as well as technical issues at the Ferguson Marine shipyard where both have been built.
The ferry has been delivered seven years late, and for both the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa, costing more than £400million combined, it has been a story that has been blighted by problems.
It is an interesting choice to sail from Troon, and not the usual Ardrossan harbour.
However, the choice was made to allow the vessel to run on liquefied natural gas, and because of this, resulted in a larger ferry, with Ardrossan harbour being too small to accommodate the vessel.
The decision to re-route Glen Sannox from Ardrossan has seen an uproar from residents and businesses alike, with many predicting there will be a decline in both domestic and international visitor numbers to the area.
It’s not just restaurants and coffee shops feeling the possible pinch, other local businesses such as dog groomers are losing out on regular customers from the isles.
It is an understandable worry, especially as the MV Caledonian, the ship that normally runs the Ardrossan to Arran route, is set to be out of action due to repairs until March at the very least.
However, even though this project has been overrun with negativity, there are at least some positives to come out of it.
Those looking to travel to Arran will now be able to do so on a brand-new ferry, which is much more reliable than its predecessor.
Businesses and locals will have better links to the mainland, making it easier to get to appointments, do shopping, visit friends and family and have goods delivered, while tourists will have a much shorter journey to enjoy some island hopping.
While the launch of the Glen Sannox ferry marks a major milestone for islanders and tourists alike, the cost to build the ferry and decision to change the sailing route will hang over the project like a storm cloud for a long time to come.
But, despite the challenges that have been faced, it’s clear to see that Glen Sannox is an essential addition to Scotland’s ferry fleet, offering both immediate benefits and the long-term improvements to travel infrastructure to Arran and beyond.
Nation’s Biz Has Scale to Improve
AS we fire into 2025, I have noticed an early trend in Scottish business with exciting potential for growth.
It seems the idea of “scale-ups” is really taking off, particularly in our two biggest cities.
According to a recent report across the UK, Glasgow is leading the way with this business boon, closely followed by capital Edinburgh.
While the idea of SMEs scaling up and becoming economic powerhouses at a lightning-fast pace is exciting enough, just wait until you hear the numbers involved.
Numbers, after all, are what get business folk like myself going.
Despite only representing one per cent of all SME firms across the UK, scale-ups employ almost one million people and bring in an annual turnover of nearly £500billion.
This counts for eight per cent of the total SME workforce and 22 per cent of overall SME turnover. And scale-ups certainly appear to be the way to go for any modern business looking to flex its ecological muscles and show off its green credentials.
That’s right, scale-ups have a large focus on renewable technology and sustainable practices in the way they operate.
The circular economic principles of scale-ups should be a beacon to guide Scotland through the next decade as we work our way towards net-zero targets.
While it’s nice to start the new year off on such a positive note, I think I need a lie down to let all the possibilities of this brave new dawn sink in.
It Made Me Laugh
A New Slice
JANUARY is all about healthy choices.
However, in a step that some may feel is too far, a new grant developed by the Food and Drink Federation Scotland and Food Standards Scotland will look to help suppliers overhaul some of the nation’s favourite dishes.
The new Healthier Food Service Fund will support projects to reduce the fat, sugar, calories or salt content in produce, such as square sausages and steak pies, all while maintaining the flavour.
Tradition matters but, let’s face it, us Scots could all use a bit less grease and a bit more gusto in our dishes.
So, here’s hoping these new recipes still pack a punch.
It Made Me Weep
Whisky on the Rocks
I WAS saddened and frustrated to hear the damage being done to our important, valuable and culturally significant whisky industry.
Figures have revealed the UK government’s decision to increase the excise duty on whisky and other spirits by 10.1 per cent in 2023 has led to a significant drop in tax revenue.
Industry leaders have also raised concerns about the sustainability of the sector’s growth under the current tax burden.
And it appears the situation is only going to get worse before it gets better, given a further duty increase is set to come into force from February.
