FERRY cancellations have again hit islands businesses as another vessel in CalMac’s ageing fleet broke down. The Coruisk was replaced by the Loch Linnhe but not before disruption to daytripper and tourist traffic hit revenues and added further uncertainty to already anxious times. The fragile ferry infrastructure has also been stretched by positive Covid results on crew levels and weather, with no results yet in the push towards adequate cover. Although Transport Scotland told The Herald it is “actively exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage and looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve resilience”, the prospect of serious disruption between now and the introduction of the two new ferries, with one set for next summer and the other potentially not seeing its first summer season until 2024, looms large.