Mr Wheelhouse says the Scottish government is delivering new ferries but it will take some time to deliver in full.

The minister confirms Transport Scotland is revisiting the ferries plan and deployment plan.

I've been listening carefully to island communities and I do understand the real challenges caused by service disruption, he says.

An action plan is being developed to ensure appropriate measures are in place to improve customer experience when things go wrong, including communications, Mr Wheelhouse says.

Tourists who have booked holidays at short notice to the Western Isles can face difficulties getting there by ferry, a tourism group has said.

Outer Hebrides Tourism said ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne was doing the best it could to meet increased demand with the resources available.

It has called on Transport Scotland to help CalMac by investing more in it.

Transport Scotland said it was aware of capacity challenges at peak times on CalMac's Clyde and Hebrides network.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse says in the round our ferry services perform well.

Mr Wheelhouse tells the chamber the Scottish government has invested £1.4bn in ferry services across Scotland.

The minister goes on to say that given the financial pressures, there must be an honest discussion about real terms cut of £1.9bn against the 2010-11 budget.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser argues this is manifestly untrue and says the Scottish governments total budget is in higher in real terms than it was in 2010, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute.

Mr Wheelhouse disagrees and suggests the Tory MSP is misleading the chamber.

Mr Greene says ferry services and related infrastructure have suffered from the lengthy period of under-investment.

Recent disruption is "not CalMac's fault", he says, saying the ferry operator is working with the contracts and fleet it has available to them.

The Tory MSP points to an Audit Scotland report which questioned the continue sustainability of ferry services in Scotland.

He says his party shares Scottish Labour's view that a 30-year plan for ferries is required.

"Enough is enough," Mr Greene says and he urges MSPs to "stand up and stick up for island communities".

Image source, Mark F Gibson

In August, it was reported that the construction of two new ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne was affected by further delays.

One of the boats is for the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert Triangle while the other is to operate between Arran and Ardrossan.

Ferguson Marine on the Clyde won a Scottish government contract worth about £97m to build the vessels.

The first ferry, MV Glenn Sannox - which is destined for the Arran-Ardrossan route - was launched last November and was due to enter service this summer but construction delays meant that was initially put back to the winter of 2018/19.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Jamie Greene says those working on the ferries are working in a difficult climate, where funding is not forthcoming.

Mr Greene says his criticism is focused squarely at the government that has failed on this issue.

Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse calls for the Tory MSP to recognise there has been increasing austerity since 2010.

Mr Greene hits back saying: "The minister has an absolute cheek to stand up and say it was someone else's fault."

The motion points to "significant delays, disruptions and cancellations" to ferry services over the last year, attributing this to a lack of additional vessels in case of breakdown.

It urges the Scottish government to "remedy these failings and restore public confidence".

Image source, Scottish parliament

Image source, CalMac

The Scottish Conservatives are leading a debate on ferry services.

Image source, Social Security Secretary

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says £125m is expected to be spent in 2018-19 to mitigate welfare reform measures.

Welfare spending has been reduced by the UK government by £3.7bn by 2020-21, Ms Somerville says, which is impossible for the Scottish government to mitigate.

She says the recent Budget announcements do little to address flaws in the "discredited" Universal Credit system.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell asks about support in response to the reported increase in rent arrears among Universal Credit recipients in the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Linda Fabiani asks how the Scottish government defines "older people".

"Be careful minister," warns Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame, to chuckles around the chamber.

Older People Minister Christina McKelvie replies: "The Scottish government focuses mainly on the over 50s."

This is received by universal groans.

Ms McKelvie goes on to say this age is chosen because life circumstances change then, including health issues.

Ms Fabiani says: "I hadn't realised until now our minister was elderly and some of us are positively ancient!"

Older Persons Minister Christina McKelvie confirms the final strategy on social isolation will be published by the end of the year.

Ms Hamilton says social isolation can cost the NHS as much as £12,000 per year and asks about steps to combat isolation in rural areas in particular.

The minister says a key element of work being down is on rural connectivity and transport project.

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton asks about reducing levels of social isolation among older people.

Image source, SPL

Onto questions for social security and older people ministers.

Image source, bbc

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart says under existing legislation ministers and planning authorities must strive for equality.

Ms Lennon argues planning policy must respect travelling showpeople.

The minister replies he spoke at length on Gypsy/Travellers and showpeople during the Stage 2 consideration of the Planning Bill.

The minister says he is absolutely committeed that Gypsy/Travellers and showpeople are involved in planning.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon asks about ensuring planning policies and decisions do not discriminate against minority groups.