MV Loch Seaforth has resumed sailings on the Stornoway route after being stuck in Ullapool for 12 hours. Sea conditions prevented the vessel from returning from the mainland overnight while this morning’s departure from Lewis was also cancelled.
Her second set of sailings this (Thursday) afternoon are on yellow alert but expected to operate. The route faces potential disruption due to adverse weather forecast until Sunday.
Friday night’s Stornoway freight ferry sailings are at high risk of disruption or cancellation at short notice.
MV Isle of Lewis will reposition to Stornoway on Friday evening for safe berthing.
Her Friday sailing times have been brought forward as a result - departing Castlebay
at 4am and Oban at 9.15am. CalMac said her relocation is necessary due to forecast
storm force East/South Easterly winds gusting in excess of 70mph which pose a risk
of damage to the vessel and pier infrastructure at Castlebay.
No Castlebay ferry service will operate on Sunday. Monday’s sailings are presently in doubt as a result of the continued poor weather forecast. Customers wishing to travel are strongly encouraged to consider travelling on Friday.
Due to an ongoing issue with MV Loch Portain's thruster resulting in the vessel unable to operate to normal weather limitations, today’s afternoon sailings are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. Due to adverse weather, the lunchtime sailing (the last of the day) departing Berneray is cancelled.
Due to strong north westerly winds gusting to 57mph, the Sound of Barra service is liable to disruption today. Weather is likely to affect sailings this weekend and CalMac recommend intending passengers with essential travel requirements to travel tomorrow (Friday).
Islanders intending to travel via the A9 on Saturday should be aware that the advice is not to travel due to the prospect of difficult conditions from high snowfall and snow drifts particularly between Perth and Aviemore.
The Met Office has issues an amber warning for the area stressing: “It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe.”
Meanwhile, disruption continue to impact Uist sailings. The timetabled Lochboisdale service has been withdrawn with the Lochmaddy, Tarbert, Sound of Barra operating amended timetables to assist with alternative routes.
CalMac ferries face sailing disruptions as Storm Bert moves in
21 November 2024
