The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on ferry services from CalMac chief
The Islands (Scotland) Bill reaches its final stage
SNP MSP hosts a debate on housing for people with learning disabilities
Image source, CalMacAccording to CalMac's website, ferry services to Coll and Tiree, and Colonsay continue to face disruptoin.
Both services are operating amended timetables until Tuesday 12 June.
It is due to scheduled essential part replacement to the MV Clansman.
Green MSP John Finnie
Green MSP John Finnie presses for more information on the disruption.
Mr Drummond says the CalMac is bound by the contract.
It is an "uncomfortable situation" to be in when one vessel is down and we have to prioritise certain services, he adds.
It has been a major disruption period, the worse the company has experiences for eight year, the CalMac chief states.
Image source, CalMacIn April we reported that the West coast ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne said its staff had been working almost "round the clock" to ease disruption to its routes.
The problems have been caused by repairs to a boat overrunning.
CalMac staff have been working overtime to reassign bookings to an amended timetable.
The company said its priority was responding to its customers and staff had handled more than 12,500 inquiries in the last five days.
Image source, bbcCalMac Ferries managing director Robbie Drummond
CalMac Ferries managing director Robbie Drummond says all of the major vessels are deployed leaving no relief vessels.
Mr Drummond says the recent disruption has probably been the worst in eight years.
"We have however learned a number of lessons through the disruption."
He accepts communications need to be improved.
Image source, Dales Marine ServiceFerry operator CalMac has said it is moving closer to restoring full services after the completion of repairs to the MV Clansman.
Mr Drumond says repairs will continue for a further 10 days.
Work on its propulsion system left the company's fleet short of vessels.
An alternative timetable was introduced, with widespread disruption across CalMac's west coast routes.
The Ardrossan-Campeltown was withdrawn "until further notice" because of the ferry shortages, leaving users with a potential 135-mile road journey.
The company had said its full fleet should be available by 23 May.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond explains the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service is closely managed by Transport Scotland, which sets fares, routes and timetables.
CalMac leases its ferries from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) but must maintain the fleet, though decisions on investment sits with CMAL and Transport Scotland.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond
"With regard to the recent period of disruption, I would like to sincerely apologise to all our customers for the inconvenience that's been cause caused.
"We care deeply about our communities and we do understand the economic impact on island residents and businesses, and we are very sorry for the recent disruption.
"In many respects however, the challenge we face is one of success.
Traffic across our network has growth at 37% over the last five years. And while this has delivered real economic benefits to our communities, is has put many of our services under stress."
Image source, CalMacA boss at Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) says the current spell of disruption to the company's ferry services is the "worst for seven years".
The problems have been caused by repairs to the ferry MV Clansman having taken longer than expected.
An alternative timetable is in place, with widespread disruption across CalMac's west coast routes.
Robbie Drummond said staff have been working "absolutely flat out" to try and lessen the impact on customers.
Image source, bbc
Image source, BBC/TwitterThe Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will kick off shortly.
Today, MSPs will be taking evidence on ferry services in Scotland from the MD of CalMac Ferries Ltd, Robbie Drummond.
Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 30 May 2018.
First up this morning is CalMac giving evidence to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on ferry services.
Image source, CalMacAfter lunch, MSPs will launch straight into stage 3 of the Islands (Scotland) Bill - first considering amendments and then debating the Bill for the final time.
The vote on the Bill will be at 5.45pm.
Ending the day is SNP MSP Joan McAlpine leading a debate on appropriate housing for people with learning disabilities.