Ferry returns to service after weeks of repairs

Loch Seaforth arrived in Stornoway ready for a resumption of sailings

CalMac's Ullapool to Stornoway ferry has returned to service after weeks of repairs.

The MV Loch Seaforth completed a freight crossing overnight and is now resuming daytime sailings.

The ferry underwent major repairs in Greenock after suffering an engine failure in 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.

CalMac said the vessel had successfully completed 50 hours of sea trials before arriving in Stornoway on Sunday.

Further tests carried out on Monday were also described as successful.

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CalMac operations director Robert Morrison said: "We recognise that this has been an extremely challenging time for customers and staff and again apologise for the disruptions over the past few weeks.

"We are looking forward to getting back to operating the normal summer timetable service and to welcoming passengers onto our ferries."

Loch Seaforth was guided out of the Clyde after weeks of repairs

The return of the vessel to service will mean that:

• The Castlebay to Oban service will resume on Wednesday

• The Islay to Kennacraig two-vessel service will resume on Wednesday

• Lochboisdale-Mallaig and Mallaig-Armadale will recommence on Wednesday

• The Brodick to Ardrossan two vessel service will resume on Thursday

• Campbeltown summer season will start on Thursday

Last week, Transport Secretary Graeme Dey said the disruption was "intolerable" for islanders.

The Loch Seaforth suffered an engine failure in the middle of April, but planned return-to-service dates were missed after engineers uncovered other engine problems.

The 116m-long (380ft) vessel is the largest and fastest in CalMac's fleet, and can carry up to 143 cars and 700 passengers.