The Skye triangle route is returning to some degree of normality following the long awaited return of a key vessel.
However, South Uist and Barra services continue to endure disruption while CalMac faces difficulties during the dry dock dry season.
MV Clansman was delayed in picking up relief duties on Tarbert and Lochmaddy links
while MV Hebrides is in for overhaul because more than expected decayed steel was
discovered in her structure during dry dock. Repairs required the cutting out part
of her card deck for the complex removal of her port engine to reach the weakened
metalwork it is understood. MV Clansman was held up by nearly another week for post-
Waiting upon the high tide restricted her departure as the vessel was berthed within a lock.
Tarbert sailings were axed for a fortnight during the drydock upheaval. Lochmaddy’s
service was cancelled for the past week, and the Uist -
A heavily reduced lifeline service depended up the 38-
Added to her limitations is a new restriction. The vessel is no longer permitted to berth overnight at Lochmaddy and Tarbert following recent upgrades to both piers. However, she can call in at both ports to disembark and load traffic, weather permitting.
MV Isle of Mull was also detoured from her own service to carry out limited sailings for Barra.
Islanders fear the ferry agonies of this week are a precursor to what may be lurking around CalMac’s redrafting of timetables for west coast islands after the MV Caledonian Isles was ruled out of action until nearly July.
Until a complex package of work is completed to replace weakened structural steelwork,
she will not be allowed to operate passenger duties, creating a massive headache
for CalMac in making decisions in reshuffling ships around the islands’ network -
Meanwhile, the Lochboisdale -
Meanwhile, Barra vessel, MV Isle of Lewis, is presently in an Aberdeen drydock with her return to the islands currently pushed back by over a week.
The smaller, slower and restricted MV Hebridean Isles will operate a reduced service for Castlebay and Lochboisdale until 6 March at least.
Key island ferry routes reinstated -
24 February 2024
MV Hebridean Isles performed well when thrust with the sole responsibility of providing a lifeline service for Uist
