CalMac's Loch Seaforth leaves Greenock yard after repairs

CalMac's Ullapool to Stornoway ferry has left a yard on the Firth of Clyde following more than a month of repairs.

The MV Loch Seaforth suffered an engine failure in the middle of April.

The breakdown caused wider disruption to CalMac's west coast network because other ferries had to be used to cover for the Loch Seaforth.

Earlier this week, Transport Secretary Graeme Dey described the situation as "intolerable" for islanders.

The Loch Seaforth left Greenock on Friday afternoon and headed for Stornoway on Lewis in the Western Isles.

On the way, the ship will undergo a 50-hour sea trial. If it passes the trial, it is due to be back in service on Monday.

• Return of CalMac's largest ferry delayed again

• New problems uncovered on CalMac's Loch Seaforth

• Return of CalMac's largest ferry further delayed

• CalMac's largest ferry out of service for repairs

Previous return-to-service dates in April and this month - including 17, 21 and 28 May - have been missed after engineers uncovered other engine problems.

The MV Loch Seaforth suffered an engine failure in the middle of April

The 116m-long (380ft) Loch Seaforth can carry up to 143 cars and 700 passengers.

Built in Germany at a cost of £42m, the ferry has been in service since 2015 and is the largest and fastest in CalMac's fleet.

Catamaran ferry

MSPs representing communities served by CalMac's west coast network met with new transport secretary Mr Dey earlier this week.

They raised concerns about the impact of disrupted ferry services on island families and businesses.

Following the meeting, Mr Dey said: "I entirely recognise the intolerable nature of the situation for islanders on an individual and economic basis.

"I also realise what they want is action rather than warm words. I am very much open to constructive, viable suggestions for improving matters."

Possible options being explored to "increase resilience" on CalMac's network is using a catamaran ferry called the MV Pentalina.

The Pentalina operated between Caithness and Orkney, before being replaced in 2019 by another catamaran the MV Alfred. Pentland Ferries still owns the Pentalina.

Kathryn Scollie, of Pentland Ferries, said: "I can confirm that the MV Pentalina is available for charter.

"The vessel can be fully crewed and available within one month of an agreement being signed."