She responded to a question from Conservative MSP Sue Webber who criticised the fact that “old creaking vessels” like Arran’s MV Caledonian Isles were still in service.
Ms Webber told the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday, January 9): “It has recently been revealed that over £7 million has been spent on the MV Caledonian Isles since it went into dry dock last year and it will not be back in service until March 2025.
“This vessel is 32-years-old. Does the Cabinet Secretary think it is acceptable that we are still having to rely on these old creaking vessels, bearing in mind that long-promised new vessels continue to be delayed?”
Ms Hyslop replied: “The fact that we have got six new major vessels entering service, we have seven new electric vessels being procured, I think, is a demonstration that we know we need to provide greater resilience in the fleet with new ferries.
“That is what we are doing and that doesn’t cover the small vessel procurement.
“These vessels are important to our islanders. We are investing £530 million in the draft Budget to procure and maintain our ferry networks. I hope that is something that can give people confidence that we are investing and supporting our island communities.
“It is in the draft Budget and I hope the Conservatives can bring themselves to support it.”
Last week, a Freedom of Information request from the Scottish Conservatives showed the Caledonian Isles – which serves the route between Ardrossan and Brodick – had seen the biggest repair bill of all of the vessels listed, costing more than £22m over the last decade.