Ferry passengers evacuated over suspicious package

The MV Hebrides serves the route between Skye, Tarbert and Lochmaddy

Ferry passengers were evacuated after a suspicious package was found on a CalMac vessel in the Isle of Skye.

Police said the item was found on the ferry at Uig ferry terminal at about 16:55.

CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said police later determined that the package was not suspicious.

The 16:45 Uig-Lochmaddy service went ahead at 21:00 and the return service was delayed until 07:00 on Friday.

Mr Dummond said: "Due to a suspicious package found onboard the MV Hebrides this afternoon, passengers were evacuated and the emergency services were contacted. Police attended the scene and have now determined that the package is not suspicious.

"I wish to put on record my personal thanks to the CalMac staff for their first rate response in dealing with this situation and the emergency services for their prompt response and their invaluable assistance.

"I would also like to thank the passengers for their cooperation during this incident."

Additional services had been put on the route from Thursday to accommodate people travelling to the Eilean Dorcha music festival in Benbecula.