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Western Ferries
£8.99
Western Ferries—Taking on Giants
The plucky ferry company that dared to challenge a state monopoly
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About the Ebook
In the late 1960s, drawing on Scandinavian experience, Western Ferries pioneered roll-on roll off ferry operations in Scotland's West Highlands and Islands. This innovative company's original focus, was Islay, where its hitherto undreamt of frequency of service transformed that island's access to the outside world. The company's profitable and efficient operation was, however, deliberately sabotaged by heavily subsidised predatory pricing by the feather-bedded state owned competitor.
This shameful policy, initiated at the highest political level, has been uncovered by recently released official correspondence held in the Scottish archives. The Islay service eventually succumbed, but the company's service across the Firth of Clyde between Inverclyde and Cowal, not only survived, but, in the face of many challenges, flourished to become by far Scotland's busiest and most profitable ferry route. Its modern cherry red ferries run like clockwork, from early till late, 365 days a year, employing some 60 people locally. It contributes much back into the community it serves including free emergency runs, whenever required, in the middle of the night.What made all this possible was the extraordinary dedication of a succession of enthusiastic, determined and above all colourful individuals.
This is their story.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Discover the story of the ferry operator that challenged a state monopoly
- Follow the business battles fought across the Firth of Clyde
- Explore competition, ambition, and resilience in Scottish maritime transport
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
About the Author
Roy Pedersen's former career with development agencies HIDB and HIE, where he pioneered numerous innovative and successful ventures, and his subsequent services as an SNP Highland councillor, have given him a matchless insight into world shipping trends and into the economic and social conditions of the Highlands and Islands. He is now an author and proprietor of a cutting-edge consultancy.Brian Wilson spent eighteen years as Labour MP for Cunninghame North and served in five UK Ministerial capacities. On leaving politics in 2005, he became a Non-Executive Director of Celtic plc. He lives on the Isle of Lewis.Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 20 July 2015
Print Length: 216 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9780857908636
Format: Ebook
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