More disruption for islanders as CalMac issues revised winter timetable

CalMac has published a revised winter timetable, after the return to service of one of its largest vessels was delayed for additional repairs.

The ferry operator has reduced sailings and capacity across its network following the announcement MV Caledonian Isles is expected to be out of service until the end of March.

The revised timetable will see sailings between Troon and Brodick suspended for a week in February, and a risk of cancellations on the Oban-Colonsay route in February and March.

It will also see reduced capacity on the Ardrossan-Brodick and Oban-Craignure routes, and reduced services to Lochboisdale on South Uist and Tarbert on Harris.

CalMac said following “feedback” from islanders and businesses, the revised timetable includes an extension of the Claonaig-Lochranza service on Arran, and a weekly return direct to Lochboisdale from Oban.

The company also confirmed all Monday sailings to Colonsay in December and January will operate, with those at risk in February and March due to be reviewed later.

A CalMac spokesperson said: “Whilst this is a challenging period, our revised deployment plan reflects our efforts to take on board the wide range of feedback we received from islanders and businesses and should allow us to maintain lifeline services and meet demand across all routes on the network.

“All islands will maintain a direct service under this plan, and we are committed to supporting local communities throughout this period of disruption.”

The MV Caledonian Isles, which usually sails on the Arran route, had been due to return to service in November following routine maintenance.

However this was delayed in earlier this month following the discovery of deformed steel in two areas of the vessel, and the need to repair or replace its stern tube bearings.

Eight of the company’s other major vessels are also set to undergo annual maintenance during the winter months, which will see each taken out of service for a period of weeks between November and May.