The 37-year-old MV Isle of Mull was itself recalled to dry dock for a second time in less than a year after it was found to require extensive repairs to rust on its hull. CalMac conceded that its delayed return from Aberdeen early this year caused ‘some challenges’.
For those trying to build their businesses on the island, it’s the uncertainty that’s the killer. If tourists start to doubt whether their ferry will turn up, they won’t either.
Not so long ago, Mull was a hotbed of toddler tourism with up to 5,000 visitors as day thanks to the children’s TV programme Balamory. Now, Tobermory’s familiar, cheerily painted row of houses by the harbour feel like they are masking despair. Hope is already draining away.
Further south lies the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, close to the main ferry terminal at Craignure, just 45 minutes by boat from Oban.
Further south lies the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, close to the main ferry terminal at Craignure, just 45 minutes by boat from Oban.
It has undergone a £3million upgrade in recent years, but has witnessed a ‘noticeable reduction’ in footfall on the island, with the hotel’s restaurants, bars and spa all suffering.
‘In the last year we have had over £500,000 of cancellations… the provision of ferries and the reliability of ferries has been the major factor in all of these,’ said Chris Wayne-Wills, chief executive of owner Crerar Hotels.
‘The ferries are such an issue that even our ability to recruit people has been affected, as candidates are concerned about not being able to get home at short notice if required.’