CalMac extends MV Alfred deployment in Western Isles

28 November 2023

CalMac’s chartered ferry, MV Alfred, has been instructed to stay in the Western Isles for longer.

The 85-metre-long ship is proving a lifeline timetable for Uist, sailing between Tarbert and Lochmaddy route because the Sound of Harris link is plagued by major interruptions while MV Loch Portain is underpowered following engine problems.

A sizeable amount of inter-island trade depend upon the Leverburgh - Berneray link with many essential goods and services transported in a north to south direction for Uist and Barra.

Hopes the Loch Portain would be repaired by this week have been dashed and the legal restrictions imposed upon the vessel continue.

MV Alfred’s deployment for Uist has now been extended to at least 11 December - perhaps longer - with the ambition that vital spare parts will be delivered within the coming fortnight after CalMac was let down by the supplier.

Meanwhile, tidal restrictions means only one return sailing is being undertaken on the Sound of Harris route until Thursday. One return trip was planned on Monday but CalMac says this was indeed cancelled due to adverse weather conditions with 27 knot winds at the slipway which would have made berthing at Leverburgh unmanageable due to the limitations in place by the ongoing technical issue.