Livestock at risk as ferry chaos hits Scotland's island farms

Ferry disruption is pushing island farmers towards crisis point, with livestock welfare and essential supplies at risk, NFU Scotland has warned.

The union said ongoing problems with ferry services are putting severe strain on agricultural businesses across Scotland’s islands at a critical time of year, when farms depend on reliable transport links for livestock movements and deliveries.

The warning comes amid continued challenges facing Scotland’s ferry network, including vessel breakdowns and reliability issues linked to an ageing fleet, which have led to repeated disruption across key island routes.

NFU Scotland is engaging directly with ferry operator CalMac, urging immediate action to minimise disruption and ensure farming needs are prioritised.

NFU Scotland vice-president Duncan Macalister said dependable ferry links are essential to day-to-day operations.

“For island farmers and crofters, reliable ferry services are not a luxury, they are essential infrastructure that underpins day-to-day business,” he said.

At this time of year, he warned, the consequences are immediate — particularly as many farms enter key seasonal periods such as lambing and spring cropping.

“Disruption creates immediate and very real challenges. Livestock movements are delayed, and vital supplies like feed and fertiliser risk not arriving when they are needed most.”

He added the situation is placing “significant pressure on farm businesses” while raising “serious animal welfare concerns”.

Calling for urgent action, Mr Macalister said: “There must be clear prioritisation for livestock movements and essential supplies like feed - this is fundamental to animal welfare and the viability of island farming businesses.”

CalMac has previously acknowledged disruption across parts of its network and said it is working to improve reliability, though industry groups say problems persist for those relying on regular crossings.

NFU Scotland said consistency and reliability must be delivered in practice, particularly for farms operating within narrow seasonal windows.

The union added it will continue working with ferry operators to ensure members’ concerns are addressed, as pressure grows for a long-term solution to ferry reliability issues affecting island communities.