So that’s farewell to Clydelink – a quiet announcement on Twitter this afternoon said that ‘due to matters outwith their control’ the Island Princess will not be sailing tomorrow, Saturday.
A similar message 24 hours earlier had said there would be no service today, so the next time a ferry comes alongside, on Monday, at Kilcreggan it will be run by Clyde Marine.
It was a sad end to six years which have been difficult and frustrating for passengers – but also for the crew, who worked long hours in difficult conditions, often going beyond the call of duty in attempting to keep the Island Princess sailing.
Without naming any individuals, a couple of particular moments stand out – one crewman showed real bravery in jumping on board a motor boat to try to put out a fire, while another fought desperately in what was sadly a vain attempt to save the life of a passenger who had suffered a heart attack.
Throughout the last few years though, the crew have been good-humoured, polite and helpful – often in the most difficult circumstances – so it’s a shame that because of today’s abrupt announcement, none of the regular passengers will be able to bid them farewell.
The future may be uncertain for some of them, and they deserve thanks for everything they’ve done.
Surely the staff should be covered by TUPE regulations, there isn’t much ambiguity in the scope of the work transferring to the new contractor.
In terms of uncertainty I wonder what the knock on impact could be for the Yoker ferry, Clydelink are behind with their filing obligations at Companies House which if not resolved will result in compulsory strike-off action.