Scotland’s transport minister Fiona Hyslop has warned island communities to brace for a difficult winter due to potential ferry service disruptions. The main ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, has been sidelined for repairs since January, with new faults delaying its return. Hyslop stated that ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is facing significant challenges due to a lack of available vessels, prompting accusations of government mismanagement from opposition MSPs. As the situation unfolds, CalMac is exploring all options to maintain crucial lifeline services across the west coast, amid the retirement of another major vessel and ongoing delays in new ferry deliveries.

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