Skye triangle ferry disruption set to extend into June

17 May 2025

Disruption affecting ferry services for Tarbert and Lochmaddy is expected to continue for another three weeks or so.

The knock-on effect of MV Hebrides’ faulty bow visor - which means the vessel must turn around in confined waters and edge stern-in to the linkspan at all ports - has slowed down her normally swift unloading times.

For one of the hardest working vessels in CalMac’s fleet, her crew’s working day is now more stretched than before, which has led to two cancelled sailings so far.

Hebrides News previously reported disruption on the Skye triangle may be extended and CalMac has confirmed that is indeed the case.

The present revised timetable is in force up to the start of next weekend.

Foot passengers are warned they may miss their bus connection due to the change in docking times and delayed disembarkation in port.

Vessel repairs may take a while to be enacted says CalMac.

Saturday evening’s crossing from Harris to Skye is cancelled due to the impacts. Displaced traffic will be transferred to Stornoway where MV Loch Seaforth will undertake a very late night one-way additional sailing, arriving Ullapool just before 1am Sunday morning. The vessel will then reposition to Stornoway without passengers.

Neither will the Monday dawn sailing from Uig to Tarbert operate.

CalMac said: “Due to an issue with MV Hebrides bow visor resulting in longer turnaround times at the ports, an amended timetable will operate.

“We anticipate that this disruption will continue into June.

“Our teams are actively reviewing the affected timetables, and we will provide a detailed update by Tuesday 20 May.”

“Options for inspections and repairs are currently being explored, and further updates will be provided once confirmed,” added the shipping firm.

In addition, due to a separate issue affecting MV Hebrides's use of the passenger gangway, all passengers will be required to embark and disembark via the car deck. This may result in a possible delay getting off the vessel at ports.