Hebrides News

Timely check-in required for CalMac Stornoway-Ullapool ferry luggage van  

 

8 December 2024

A luggage van service will be provided for foot passengers using the Stornoway - Ullapool ferry route from tomorrow (Monday).

The van option allows travellers to have their suitcases and bags transported for them though, if preferred, travellers can still carry their own bags aboard the MV Loch Seaforth.

The gangway walkway at Stornoway harbour has been out of action for the past year ruling out the designated route access on and off the ship’s high-sided passenger deck.

Since the gangway broke down back in December 2023, people without a vehicle have to endure a cumbersome trail between the ferry terminal building and the vessel, cautiously negotiating a scaffold-framed zig-zag pathway, linkspan, car ramp, and vehicle deck and steep stairs.

That’s after a 15 minute wait for vehicles to drive on or off first.

Though two small lifts are installed onboard, yellow signs firmly advise they are restricted to use only by people with impaired mobility though the ship’s crew are fully sympathetic and suitcase laden travellers will not be reprimanded.

Once experienced, many dread a repeat performance and endeavour to shun ferry journeys.

No permanent fix seems imminent for the gangway problem and the appearance of a luggage van will bring a small measure of relief.

Under the van arrangements, passengers will hand their luggage over upon check-in. Foot passenger check-in closes 30 minutes before the vessel is scheduled to depart.

Unaccompanied luggage will not be taken and travellers must have valid proof of travel such as a ticket before their bags will be accepted.

The luggage van will be driven on to the vessel and locked. The driver will not accompany the vehicle on the voyage and CalMac will keep secure the transport of keys.

After arrival at the other side the van will be driven off the ship and luggage deposited at a passenger pick-up / drop-off point.

The luggage service will operate in both directions of travel across the Minch.

CalMac staff are also available to assist foot passengers embarking and disembarking at Stornoway, if requested.

Repairs to the present faulty gangway seem unlikely due to the “substantial” price tag. Now other replacement options are being explored indicates Stornoway Port Authority - which owns the gangway.

 

CalMac said the van transfer service will give customers the option to have luggage transported while the linkspan access continues to be used.  

 

Alex Macleod, chief executive at Stornoway Port, said: “We understand the concerns regarding the Passenger Access System, and we want to reassure passengers that resolving this issue is our top priority.

 

“CalMac Ferries have confirmed that a luggage service will commence on Monday, December 9th to assist foot passengers travelling between the ferry and the harbour.

 

“We are working closely with CalMac and Ullapool Harbour to ensure this service runs smoothly.

“CalMac staff are also available to assist foot passengers embarking and disembarking at Stornoway, if requested.”

He added: “We know this situation has been inconvenient, and we’re grateful for the patience and cooperation of all passengers.

“We are committed to finding a long-term solution and plan to provide an update in the coming weeks.”

 

The harbour authority previously explained a failure of a safety critical element within the Passenger Access System occurred in December 2023. A similar but less serious incident earlier in the year had been repaired by the third party supplier of the system.

The walkway system remains out of commission until further notice, with no long-term solution expected until sometime in 2025.