December saw the first round in CMAL’s ‘community engagement’ regarding new vessels for the Oban-Craignure route.
In spite of the weather meaning multiple changes to the day/time for the drop-ins on Iona and the Ross of Mull (which incidentally was not initially intended to have a drop-in!), the event in Fionnphort was well attended, and many of us had similar opinions about what is needed.
For those who missed the drop-ins, to save you from scrolling through the 16 pages of ‘storyboard’ now available on the CMAL website, we have put together the main points of what is proposed:

• 2 vessels to replace MV Isle of Mull and MV Loch Frisa
• Capacity of each: 60 cars and 450 passengers
• On-board food & drink: an ‘enhanced’ version of the offering on MV Coruisk, hot food to include ‘morning rolls, soup, toasties and pastry snacks’ and also sandwiches and salads.
• We are told ‘Passengers will be able to make their purchases and move freely around the vessel, taking in the amazing scenery the route has to offer’ – which we interpret as meaning there will be no dedicated table space to sit and eat.
• Length of crossing is assumed as ‘about 45–55 minutes’
• Crew cabins will be included
• Vessels to be in service by the year 2030
  Several points leap out immediately here.
  First of all, those present were all agreed that the passenger capacity seems way too low. MV Isle of Mull has a passenger capacity of 979, so the two new boats between them would not even equal that. Allowing for the Loch Frisa’s 195 passengers, the proposal is to actually reduce passenger capacity by over 23%!… more in the printed issue