Western Isles ferry service cancelled for a month as new plan announced

A ferry service between the Western Isles and the mainland has been cancelled for one month as the operator deals with disruption.

CalMac announced that the service between Mallaig and Lochboisdale on South Uist will not run between Friday and May 18, as the Lord of the Isles – the ferry which usually serves that route – will be moved to cover sailings between the mainland and Islay.

CalMac said the move was required to avoid “displacing thousands of bookings”, while a new timetable crossing the Sound of Barra would be put in place to allow passengers to make sailings from Castlebay to Oban, with extra expense able to be claimed back from the operator.

One of the newest ferries on the network, the Glen Sannox, would move from its current position, sailing between Ullapool and Stornoway to serve the Oban to Castlebay route – subject to berthing trials at both ports – from Monday until May 17.

The Glen Sannox had been moved from its intended route between Troon and Brodick on the Isle of Arran to cover Lewis sailings due to issues with the Loch Seaforth.

The new plan, released on Thursday, comes as a result of the Hebrides and the Lord of the Isles returning to service.

The return of the Hebrides created what CalMac described as a “cascade”, allowing the Clansman to return to service Coll, Tiree and Colonsay, the Isle of Mull to return to its eponymous route and Coruisk to head back to the Mallaig-Armadale crossing.

In recent weeks multiple vessels have been taken out of service as a result of annual maintenance and technical issues.

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: “This remains a fast-moving situation but the expected return of two major vessels by Monday allows us to provide all communities with a level of certainty for the next month.

“Normal services will be restored to Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Mull and we are able to get two vessels back on Islay.

“Though we are not out of the woods yet, we’re in a relatively stable position and are hopeful that things will continue to improve.

“We’re grateful to the patience, support and understanding we’ve had from islanders in recent weeks during this period of widespread disruption.

“We do not take that for granted, and it has been much appreciated by everyone at CalMac who has been working hard to maintain and restore services.”