Drastically impaired ferry services continue for the majority of Western Isles communities as CalMac’s depleted fleet is unable to maintain a full list of contracted sailings.
The shipping company will be in touch with ferry users with bookings impacted by the latest delays.
Extended disruption for the weekend has been announced for Barra, Harris, North Uist and South Uist while a programme of substantial steelwork repairs and subsequent issues has so far prevented MV Clansman from picking up her relief duties in the Western Isles while the MV Hebrides is in drydock.
Mull is also affected as their regular ship is detoured to assist Barra and South Uist during the upheaval.
The normally busy Skye triangle route was temporarily withdrawn this week while the
Uist -
Travellers and haulage operators endure reduced capacity on a daily basis while fewer
sailings are provided from a merry-
MV Hebridean Isles has been requisitioned solely for Uist to operate sailings between Skye and Lochboisdale.
All Tarbert services are cancelled with intending passengers sent via Stornoway -
Castlebay sailings are cancelled for this afternoon (Thursday) and all tomorrow as MV Isle of Mull is needed to carry a heavy volume of freight between Oban and Mull. A sailing is expected from Oban on Saturday afternoon with a return early the following morning.
The only Western Isles service to escape the chaos is the Stornoway -
CalMac says the immediate problems should be over by the weekend with Saturday now given as the rescheduled day for the Clansman’s return. Problems in confirming a tug to escort her out of the Birkenhead locks are holding her back.
Amended timetable details are currently being confirmed and will be added to CalMac’s information pages for each route by Friday.
Ferry users are strongly advised to maintain a close watch on CalMac service status information pages in case of further disruption and changes.
CalMac has not been provided with a sufficient number of vessels to maintain the required level of services across the west coast.
Barra and South Uist are presently sharing a ship -
Under a series of ferry reshuffles, MV Lord of the Isles (Loti) has transferred to
Coll and Tiree, and Castlebay boat, MV Isle of Lewis, is undergoing a three-
Unfortunately, weather restrictions have been placed upon the Loti after an oil leak rendered her port stabiliser out of action. Until repairs can be made, there may be a greater risk of disruption or cancellations for Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay.
Five island communities endure severe ongoing ferry disruption
22 February 2024
