Passengers with reduced mobility risk potential problems in travelling across the
Sound of Harris due to a broken lift on the inter-island ferry.
The lift onboard MV Loch Portain on the busy Sound of Harris route may not be fixed for a fortnight.
Contractors have been commissioned to undertake repairs but an immediate fix is not expected.
For safety reasons and to access the vessel’s emergency equipment passengers normally travel in the seating lounges that are two flights of stairs up from the car deck. But these steps may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Toilet facilities are also located upstairs.
Until the fault is fixed some affected passengers on the Berneray - Leverburgh route
will be allowed to remain in their cars on the car deck for the duration of the one-hour
crossing, which is permissible under the vessel’s emergency evacuation procedures.
CalMac said: “As part of our emergency evacuation procedures, a limited amount of reduced mobility passengers may remain in their cars on the car deck for the duration of the crossing.”
The company advises: “We highly recommend that you book your travel in advance on this route during this time and make us aware of any support you may require, so we can confirm if this can be accommodated.
“If accessing the vessel via stairs is not suitable for you, passengers may prefer
to travel on the MV Hebrides service between Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy instead.
“We will contact any customers with assistance requests to ensure that we are aware of any support required.”
Sound of Harris ferry passengers with reduced mobility face travelling on car deck during journey
10 January 2025