Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said:

“The SNP Government only have themselves to blame for this latest disastrous development affecting one of our island communities.

“Ministers have been repeatedly warned about our ageing ferry fleet and the risk to lifeline services in the event of breakdowns.

“Frankly this amounts to a failure in their duty of care to our most fragile rural communities which are totally dependent on a resilient and reliable ferry service.”

“It is utterly unforgiveable that it should have happened at the height of the summer season.”