Planning to replace the two ferries which operate between Barra, Uist and Harris is getting underway.
Replacements are required to “maintain” the service as MV Loch Alainn - which works
the Barra - Eriskay service - and the MV Loch Portain which plies the Berneray -
Leverburgh route are reaching the end of their working life.
Signs of their age are showing with Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra vessels somewhat prone to breakdowns in recent years.
2023 was a particularly unreliable period for the important sea links, affecting locals, tourists, medical patients, and businesses. Regular, serious disruptions delivered a hard blow to the local economy.
However, construction and funding timescales may prevent their delivery until around 2030 it is feared.
Funding to build the new ferries depends on a strategic business case. The cash is unlikely to be confirmed until the next Scottish Government decides its financial plans sometime following the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
A final decision on vessel funding is expected under the 2026 - 2031 Islands Connectivity
Plan.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has split its small vessel replacement programme into two stages each with the aim of delivering low emission ships.
The search for a shipyard to build the first phase of seven new electric ferries went out to tender in July, none of which are designated for Western Isles routes.
Three vessels including two for the Western Isles inter-island runs are placed in
the second phase of the project.
► Seven new small electric ferries for CalMac exclude Western Isles inter-island
routes
CMAL will lead the project, supported by Transport Scotland and CalMac, in a working group.
The government agency will collaborate closely with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar which is the harbour authority for the four island slipways involved.
The next step is to launch a tender process to appoint a naval architecture consultant to support developing the vessels’ concept design.
CMAL said: “We will look to carry out public engagement events in the near future prior to the commencement of design work.
“A reference group with key stakeholders, for the programme as a whole, is currently in place to provide updates and to seek views at the network level.”
The Scottish Government agency said it will expand upon the design work undertaken for the seven smaller ferries for shorter routes in phase one. Part of that activity considered potential vessel designs that comply with the maritime rules governing ferry operations on the sea routes.
The vessels and infrastructure required for these routes will need to meet higher regulatory standards than the current vessels it is understood.
Plans to build two new CalMac ferries for Western Isles inter-
18 August 2024
