There was an interesting blog from the Mull & Iona Ferry committee contrasting ferries CMAL have procured from a Turkish yard, with two comparable vessels ordered from the same shipbuilder for Norway. In a nutshell, the Norwegians have gotten more for less. Certainly, CMAL procurement methods need questioned but there remains whether we’re getting the right ferries. One of the… Read more »
Until we can get a Public inquiry into the ferries debacle let me lay out what I gleam happened and why blame firmly rests with CMAL and the Scottish Government not Ferguson Yard or Jim McColl. Vessels 801 and 802 were the wrong type of ships and weren’t wanted by Cal Mac let alone the communities they’re to serve. Dual… Read more »
The Chancellor simply confirmed what had become clear over recent months that the Tories will go long in this Parliament, with the next election not being held until 2024. That gives them time to try and get the cost of living crisis behind them, as its going to get worse, much worse, before any let up might allow even the… Read more »
Gas and electricity bills have been making folk swoon, if not faint. But these heating supplies are still subject to regulation. OFGEM can act and the Chancellor could direct them to do so. Some element of control therefore still remains, even if it may not seem any comfort to those currently despairing as to how they’ll manage to meet these… Read more »
The sacking of hardworking and long-serving crew by P&O and their replacement by low waged and non-unionised labour’s just the start of the journey. For Brexit Britain has reached its first port as it heads for Singapore on Thames and there’s worst places ahead, so baton down the hatches for stormy waters are coming. It’s the direction of travel on… Read more »
Imagine a police officer due to retire at the end of the month and either on light duties or even on leave getting a citation for court. “Ach Sergeant, I can’t be bothered”. Eh no! Not only would the court expect him to obtemper the order, but his senior officers would tell him disciplinary action would follow and fast if… Read more »
Running through old SNP, like a stick of lettered rock, was commitment to nuclear disarmament. Understandable, perhaps, as so many involved when the party took off in the late 60s had been involved in, politicised by, or even reared in the peace movement. They were of a generation that had experienced the fear that was palpable at the time of… Read more »
Every time you pass a petrol station seems to have risen. Some posts online show staggering prices and at stations not far from here. When fuel costs increase it’s not just a problem for those who require driving to get to work or need it for where they live. It also affects the price of almost everything, as transport costs… Read more »
War in the Ukraine’s distressing to watch as tragedy unfolds on our TV screens but the community response is heartening. Many have been in touch seeking strengthened sanctions and increased humanitarian support. Progress is being made on both even if still inadequate and slow. However, aid agencies are now springing into action and that’ll make it easier for all seeking… Read more »
So the Scottish Government presses on with its GRA nonsense. Despite roll backs by the Supreme Court and warnings from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, on they march. They apparently know best and they’re intent on using their majority in Parliament to deliver it. The same nonsense spouted by Shirley-Anne Somerville’s now being echoed by Shona Robison. I had… Read more »