CalMac’s delayed winter ferry timetable finally arrives

CalMac’s winter timetables from October to the end of March are now available to view.

As reported by Hebrides News earlier this week, tickets are not sale at the moment and intending travellers have to be patient for longer.

Bookings for autumn and winter ferry travel will not start to open up until the end of this month.

Dates given are not necessarily fixed in stone but are subject to change under a timescale the shipping firm expects each route to be available.

CalMac highlighted:“These dates are subject to change - however, as always, we will keep you informed of any updates as we progress through this process.

A spokesperson said: “This coming winter will see a number of challenges across the ferry network, with multiple vessels covering single routes over the winter period. This is one of the most complex timetables CalMac has ever had to produce, because of the extended absence of MV Hebridean Isles, coupled with an extended dry dock period and the closures of the ports at Uig and Port Ellen by their respective owners.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on support for communities and businesses over the winter months to ensure continuity of services to all communities. This year we will spend record sums on maintenance of the vessels in a determined effort to reduce the risk of technical failures during the rest of the year.”

She added: “The timetables take into account vessel availability during CalMac’s annual overhaul schedule, which involves all 35 vessels being removed from service over winter for a set period for planned maintenance.”

Hebrides News previously revealed the outline of CalMac’s dry docking and relief vessel plan for the Western Isles. Gaps in service will be revealed next week.

Timetables have been planned without MV Hebridean Isles, normally the backbone of the relief programme during the dry dock process, as ongoing investigations into the vessel continue.

“We have listened to community feedback and are utilising the most suitable/preferred vessels, where possible, however periods of reduced service are still unavoidable for some routes, as we have stretched the fleet to its absolute limits.

“As there will be fewer major vessels available for cover during this year’s annual overhaul programme, CalMac is working with Transport Scotland to explore the feasibility of chartering third-party vessels to provide additional support and resilience to key routes across the winter dry dock period.”

Phase one - Available from 28 September

Stornoway-Ullapool (except for the period 21 October - 1 November 2023, which will be confirmed by 30 September);

Skye triangle sailings: Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy

Kennacraig-Islay, Ardrossan-Brodick, Colonsay, and Claonaig services.

Phase two - Available from 2 October

South Uist to Oban or Mallaig

Berneray-Leverburgh

Barra-Eriskay

Oban-Castlebay

Mallaig-Armadale

Phase three - Available from 5 October

All Mull and Iona routes.

Coll/Tiree, Raasay, Small Isles, Lismore, Bute, Cumbrae, Gourock-Dunoon, Portavadie, Gigha, Kilcreggan, and Kerrera.

CalMac’s delayed winter ferry timetable finally arrives - but tickets still on hold

13 September 2023