Ferries suspend operations in Storm Barra

6 December 2021

Storm Barra is creating havoc in Ireland with a danger of life warning declared as the Atlantic low crosses the country making many flooded route impassable and leaving tens of thousands of properties without electricity.

Parts of the UK are set to feel disruptive impacts but the northern extremity of the depression will feel no more than a winter gale for the Western Isles.

However, strong easterly winds and sea conditions are impacting all island ferry routes with sailings cancelled during the peak of the adverse weather.

The late afternoon crossings on the Sound of Barra are cancelled. The lunchtime sailing from Eriskay will be the final sailing of the day.

Castlebay sailings are cancelled with conditions potentially touching force ten on her route and no overnight berthing available in Oban. An amended timetable will operate on Wednesday with an earlier than usual departure to avoid the worst of adverse sea conditions expected on the return leg.

MV Hebrides is stormbound in Skye. The vessel is out of position for tomorrow morning. Her next sailing is on Wednesday morning out of Uig.

MV Loch Seaforth will remain in Ullapool this evening after departing Stornoway about half a hour ahead of the worsening weather. Her service will resume with the 3am freight run from the mainland.

Storm Barra has been declared with a deepening Atlantic low bearing down on Ireland, forecast to bring wild and potential damaging winds on Tuesday.

Official weather warnings issued for much of Great Britain and Ireland exclude the Hebrides and north west Scotland.

However, strong winds at storm’s outer edge will impact on the Western Isles particularly on the open sea.