CalMac releases delayed Stornoway ferry timetable while relief freight ship repairs continue
11 October 2023
Passenger and vehicle ferry services for the Stornoway-Ullapool route for 23 October until 1 November have now been finalised.
Timetables should have been confirmed by 30 September but were held up as there was some doubt if the passenger service would be reduced to a single return run.
Bookings for this route will open by noon tomorrow (Thursday).
MV Isle of Lewis will be pulled off her Castlebay run to cover the Stornoway passenger services.
Plans for freight sailings for this period are still being worked on and will be announced as soon as possible said CalMac.
The chartered MV Alfred was due to test out the Stornoway linkspan two weeks ago. However, she broke down with an engine gearbox fault and repairs are taking longer than expected.
Subject to successful berthing trials, it is planned for MV Alfred to operate the freight service, and these will take place once necessary repairs are completed by Pentland Ferries.
Finlay MacRae, CalMac head of operations, said: “I am pleased to announce the remaining period of the Stornoway-Ullapool timetable, and I apologise for the delay.
“With MV Hebridean Isles off service, we are planning for MV Alfred to carry out berthing trials once she has been repaired, and Pentland Ferries hope to have repairs completed by 18 October.
“Further contingency plans are being considered, in the situation that MV Alfred’s berthing trials are unsuccessful and MV Hebridean Isles remains off service.”
Timetables are available to view at www.calmac.co.uk/stornoway-ullapool-lewis-ferry-winter-timetable.