CalMac to finally release timetables

The long wait for CalMac’s autumn and winter ferry schedules may be soon over as the timetables are due to be released this week, barring any last minute hitches.

However, it’s unclear if CalMac will start selling tickets in the same timeframe.

Intending passengers are increasingly frustrated that bookings for mid-October onwards remain unavailable.

At the moment ferry space can only be reserved for the next five weeks.

► New timetable confirmed for Skye ferry pier closure

Delays in opening CalMac’s booking system are caused by changing shutdown dates for Uig harbour in Skye during pier construction works.

But the new pier closure proposals were confirmed two weeks ago and had been under discussion before that.

Timetables and the fleet’s drydocking schedule are being updated to accommodate the pressures on delivering ferry services to the Western Isles and Inner Hebrides.

The winter season runs from 24 October to 30 March 2023.

The first Skye triangle outage commences on 16 January until 13 March 2023. The second shutdown is for six weeks from 30 October next year.

Harris sailings are cancelled during the outage periods while North Uist will receive a daily return journey between Lochmaddy and Ullapool.

The pier closure comes against the back-drop of a challenging logistical nightmare to figure out how to maintain lifeline services to the Western Isles while juggling the over-stretched fleet’s annual dry-docking schedule.

When ships set off in a series of departures for repair and maintenance fewer vessels will remain to cover the gaps.

Knock-on impacts on ferry services include having fewer suitable vessels being available for routes and the need to reposition vessels for relief duties - if suitable ships are available.

CalMac is also braced for unplanned extensions to overhauls.

The Skye port is the mainland destination for North Uist and Harris ferry links.

Ferry outages stretching for six months were on the cards during a major project to rebuild the aging pier. The installation of a new linkspan and berthing structure will form a significant part of the redevelopment works.

Under the latest change, seabed construction work has been rearranged for eight weeks in early 2023 during which ferry operations would be impossible.

Ferry berthing is pencilled in to restart around the crucial Easter period, running until September when a second closure is required.

CalMac to finally release autumn and winter timetables

13 September 2022