A number of Western Isles ferries sailings are set to be impacted by a storm on Saturday.
Wild conditions are forecast over the day with adverse weather continuing on Sunday in places.
CalMac said: “With the busy festive period approaching, many of you will be travelling.
“There may be disruption to sailings across our network this weekend due to weather forecasts.
“We advise travelling on Friday, where possible.”
The Met Office highlights adverse weather conditions are predicted to affect Scotland over the weekend.
► Update: Multiple CalMac ferry cancellations affect Western Isles on Chritmas weekend
At the time of writing, a large area of low pressure will bring strong winds and some heavy rain to the UK while national severe weather warnings have been issued.
CalMac said: “Although these weather conditions are not unusual for the winter period, the busy festive season is approaching, and we know many of our customers are making plans to travel to and from the islands to visit friends and family.
“With the arrival of such conditions, it may be that some of our services may be delayed or cancelled throughout our network, to ensure the safety of customers and colleagues, which is our priority.
“With road conditions expected to be affected in many areas, please consider building in extra time for your journey to ports and ferry terminals. ”
Disruption are expected to be provided by CalMac over today (Friday). The ferry operator gave advance warning that Western Isles ferry services are currently on yellow alert.
Saturday and Sunday sailings for the Castlebay - Oban service are at heightened risk
of “significant disruption.” High seas are predicted for the ferry route in addition
to fierce wind speeds.
Both inter-island ferry crossings are liable to disruption or cancellation at short
notice this weekend. Meanwhile, the technical issue with MV Loch Alainn's fire pumps
- which caused last scheduled crossings on Thursday to be cancelled - has been resolved
so Friday’s crossings are expected to operate to normal timetable.
MV Lord of the Isles’ service on Saturday and Sunday is looking doubtful given the wild sea and wind conditions forecast for South Uist. Today’s sailings are on yellow alert.
Sailings on the Skye triangle service also face disruption.
All passenger sailings of MV Loch Seaforth on Saturday and Sunday are on disruption and cancellation alert. The Stornoway freight service is also braced for disruption into Monday.
► Update: Multiple CalMac ferry cancellations affect Western Isles on Chritmas weekend
CalMac advises passengers to travel on Friday to avoid stormy weekend ferry cancellations and disruption
20 December 2024
