Many intending ferry passengers - including those on Barra and South Uist routes - were urged to make their journey today (Wednesday) to guarantee making it to their destination before Christmas as strong winds and rough seas are set to be a feature of the west coast weather picture for days.
MV Isle of Lewis ran ahead of the incoming bad weather today (Wednesday) with a good crossing to Oban though seas on the return leg to Castlebay were fresher. Thursday is normally a non-sailing day so the next possible service is on Friday, weather permitting.
Lochboisdale sailings are cancelled for Thursday and Friday while weekend services may also be affected by weather.
Sound of Barra sailings were suspended at lunchtime today until Friday.
MV Loch Seaforth hopes to undertake a freight run to Ullapool tonight (Wednesday) evening and will remain there until Thursday evening at least if the wild weather abates. Thursday’s teatime departure from Ullapool is presently uncertain.
Thursday’s Lochmaddy-Ullapool service is cancelled.
There’s no prospect of MV Loch Portain venturing to sea for the next couple of days at least while she continues to be legally restricted to fair weather outings. Her Sound of Harris crossings are cancelled.
CalMac ferry cancellations and disruption as strong winds set to batter Western Isles
20 December 2023
