Following today's news that the oldest ferry on the Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Network, the MV Hebridean Isles, has broken down, Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said:

“The news of this latest breakdown will sadly come as little surprise to communities right along the west coast.

“Nevertheless, it remains scandalous that a lifeline service like this, provided by a state-owned operator, should depend on a vessel that is over 30 years old.

“How on earth can island communities, already threatened by depopulation and the loss of their young people, have any confidence in SNP ministers who have so comprehensively failed to deliver something so basic as a resilient and reliable ferry service?”