Updates due over CalMac deployment plans for new ferries

Public information events regarding the Skye triangle ferry service are to take place later this month.

MV Claymore and MV Lochmor - two sister ships being built in Turkey - are scheduled to start service on North Uist and Harris mainland routes in 2025, when the long held community aspiration of receiving their own dedicated vessel over the summer is set to come to fruition many years sooner than expected following Scottish Government investment.

Upgrades at the ports serving the routes are set to improve reliability and resilience of the service.

Engagement sessions in Tarbert and Lochmaddy as well as the mainland port of Uig will provide updates on the infrastructure works across the three harbours and progress of the new 95-metre-long vessels under construction.

CMAL will provide an update on the delivery dates for each vessels which are expected to be handed over towards the second half of next year. The ferries will then steam to Scotland and undergo crew familiarisation and local operational trials before entering service.

There’s bound to be interest on the frequency of use of the mezzanine decks. While the plan is to deploy mezz decks when required, sailing schedules will consider the turnaround time required to load and discharge all traffic.

CalMac will outline proposed deployment and timetabling planning for the routes which aims to achieve an improvement over the present arrangements as the introduction of the two ships allows the shared service to be split into two separate routes - Uig to North Uist, and Uig to Harris.

A combined service is expected under a single vessel operation during the quieter winter months.

The drop-in sessions are open to all with representatives from Transport Scotland and CalMac in attendance.

Also present will be officials from the three pier owners, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, CMAL, and Highland Council.

The first event is due to take place at Uig Hall, Skye, on Monday 22nd January. The second drop-in is Tarbert Community Centre the next day with the final session at Lochmaddy Hall the following afternoon.

The Little Minch vessels are two of six new major vessels set to join the CalMac ferry fleet by the end of next year. The other four will be Islay vessels, MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal, and Arran vessels MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa.

Updates due over CalMac’s timetable and deployment plans for new dedicated ferries to serve North Uist and Harris

10 January 2024