By Isle of Wight Observer
IW Observer reader, Mike Waddleton, has discovered that, while we might be envious of their subsidised ferries, the Isle of Wight has far more in common with Scottish islands than we might think.
On a recent trip to Tobermory on the beautiful Isle of Mull, Mike wandered into a local shop and spotted a display that made him feel instantly at home. Among the toy boats sat a sign proudly declaring that the “working ferry boat” on sale was guaranteed more reliable than the island ferry.
It turns out that while cross‑Solent grumbles are a favourite pastime here, the people of Mull have their own long‑running saga with CalMac. And although their 45‑minute crossing for a car and driver costs just £23, they too suffer from reliability issues that would test the patience of saints.
From the Solent to the Sound of Mull, it seems island life comes with a universal truth – ferries that let us down.
So next time you’re stuck waiting for a long‑delayed sailing, take heart. Somewhere in Scotland, someone else is thinking exactly the same thing.
