Ferry chaos hits multiple Western Isles lifeline services

One out-of-action ship throws multiple Western Isles lifeline ferry services into chaos

17 February 2024

Already diminished lifeline ferry services for many Western Isles’ communities have worsened after difficulties in finalising a return date for a vital relief ship.

Problems with CalMac’s severely depleted fleet means no spare vessels are available to cover gaps in services while MV Clansman remains out of action in Liverpool during her now extended overhaul. She awaits completion of vital repairs to ensure she returns in a safe and seaworthy condition.

Similar age-related issues have impacted other CalMac ships over the winter dry dock period with MV Caledonian Isles still absent from duty while the island of Mull endured a well below service for countless weeks while their main ship was out of action or deployed elsewhere. Islay has also received a below par service.

All but one Western Isles mainland links are badly affected by the latest disruption which is set to last until next weekend at least. At present, there is no guarantee timetables will resume by the 23 February date indicated by CalMac.

Barra, North Uist, Harris, and South Uist are hit with cancelled sailings until timetables get back to normal while CalMac struggles to manage the upheaval. These communities are currently without their individual regular vessels and are already suffering reduced services.

Mull and Colonsay services are also impacted.

Only the Stornoway - Ullapool service escapes the chaos.

MV Alfred, currently leased from Pentland ferries under a £15 million charter, was called upon to cover the Lochmaddy run this week as the Clansman is unable to relieve MV Hebrides for drydock. The Tarbert - Uig link was cancelled.

Contingency plans for the latest disruption results in the withdrawal of MV Hebridean Isles (Heb Isles) on the interim combined Barra - South Uist - Oban timetable.

The smaller and slower Heb Isles will solely serve Uist until further notice with a Lochboisdale - Ullapool service (replacing the Lochmaddy service) until Monday at least.

She will divert to Uig mid-voyage to carry out an urgent berthing test at the new Skye pier. The diversion adds two hours on the journey. If trials in Uig are successful, traffic may be able to disembark if they wish although the vessel will still carry on to Ullapool.

If berthing trials do work out, the service is expected to operate to Uig from South Uist from Tuesday.

Harris sailings are cancelled with traffic diverted to travel Stornoway - Ullapool. However, there is the hope of the vessel calling in at Tarbert on Tuesday and Thursday if the ship is approved for docking at Uig pier.

Mass outage of the Lochboisdale - Mallaig service continues. No South Uist to Oban sailings will operate.

Meanwhile, MV Isle of Mull will fit in a daily one-way run for Barra until further advised. The vessel will also partially serve her own Craignure link.

CalMac told impacted communities: “We sincerely apologise for the disruption and are grateful for the patience you have shown while we work hard on managing this work.

“Our team is focused on minimising the effect of changes to the overhaul schedule on customers and the communities we serve with the vessels we have available to us.”