The First Minister has said that CalMac is looking to review the matrix but, actually, its chief executive is going to the island next week to explain it to islanders—he is going to explain why their services have been cut off for an entire month.

The disruption is not just affecting South Uist—it is destroying the way of life across many of Scotland’s island and coastal communities.

We spoke to Louise Cook, who is a shop owner in North Uist. She told us,

“I’m really at my wits end with all the disruption caused by our aging ferry fleet and the horrific impact this is having on my business ... When I should be increasing staff hours—I have had to cut them drastically ... It’s utterly appalling and really upsetting.”

Does the First Minister accept and hear what Louise is saying? Does he understand how many jobs his failures are costing?