Brian Spanner wonders if the Proclaimers, who have gained fame and fortune singing about Scottish deprivation, will sing about the Ferry Fiasco – given their long standing support for the SNP.
To give them a head start, I’ve written the lyrics; but perhaps if Craig and Charlie aren’t willing – is there some musical talent amongst the island protesters who could put this to a tune to raise awareness?
The Abandoned Isles’ Lament
(Verse 1)
From the Clyde to the Hebrides, the tale begins,
Two ferries born of promise, but marred by sins.
Glen Sannox and Hull 802, names etched in steel,
A symbol of a scandal, a wound that won’t heal.
(Chorus)
Oh, the ferries are rusting, the hulls are old,
A tale of wasted millions, a scandal untold.
From Arran to Skye, the islanders wait,
For the ships that were promised, but delivered too late.
(Verse 2)
The cost has tripled, the debts have soared,
Ferguson Marine, a name abhorred.
Nationalised by the government, a desperate bid,
To save a sinking shipyard, where hope was forbid.
(Chorus)
Oh, the ferries are rusting, the hulls are old,
A procurement scandal, a story bold.
Cancer patients stranded, trade in decline,
A ferry service failing, lost in time.
(Bridge)
Under Thatcher, more ferries were built, it’s true,
Now every 36 months, we see something new.
The islanders abandoned, their patience worn thin,
In the heart of the fiasco, no one can win.
(Verse 3)
Fake windows at the launch, a symbol of deceit,
The anger and the sadness, a bitter defeat.
Delays and cancellations, a common refrain,
In the saga of the ferries, only loss remains.
(Chorus)
Oh, the ferries are rusting, the hulls are old,
A tale of broken promises, a future unsold.
From the tourists to the traders, all bear the cost,
In the ferry fiasco, all hope is lost.
(Outro)
So here’s our song, a lament for the isles,
A tale of wasted money, and deceitful guiles.
Oh, Scotland, my dear, we sing with a sigh,
For the ferries that failed, under your sky.
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