Once upon a time, public interest in Caledonian MacBrayne was largely restricted to those who depended upon the services provided. These were praised and grumbled about in equal measure but wider controversy flared only occasionally.

The success of SNP ministers in transforming that state of affairs into a daily soap opera of calamity is truly awesome. World-leading, even. Nowhere else in the universe has the straightforward challenge of providing ferry services to offshore islands been turned into an epic tale of incompetence and expense.

While I feel almost apologetic for contributing more column inches, there are two reasons for doing so. First, now that CalMac has been awarded a 10-year contract, there is a crucial crunch point which involves future governance. Unless radical change is achieved, believe me, the failings will recur.

Alternatively, an exciting opportunity exists for fundamental, democratic change that would require a modicum of political courage and imagination – commodities for which the Scottish Government is not noted, so it needs to be encouraged.

It is really simple. Instead of being on the receiving end of distant decision-making, the places that depend on CalMac should be central to their own destiny. On recent form, this would cost a great deal less. It would show respect for these communities and the knowledge they contain. It might even hint at a modicum of political remorse.

Starting from scratch, nobody in their right mind would come up with what currently exists or any variation........

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