Uist ferry off due to radar, engine and steelwork issues

Fresh problems have hit South Uist's ferry MV Lord of the Isles.

Services have been disrupted since late last week after it had to be removed from its route to have repairs done to an area of corroded steel.

On Saturday, a fault was found with the ship's radar leading to further disruption to sailings.

Operator CalMac said Monday's sailing had been cancelled due to issues with the radar, an engine and another problem with the ferry's steelwork.

The company has apologised to customers. Western Isles-harvested shellfish deliveries along with essential supplies for islanders were being prioritised on other routes.

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The 33-year-old Lord of the Isles was initially withdrawn from service on Thursday after an area of corrosion was discovered.

Chief executive Robbie Drummond said: "Affected traffic is being diverted to and from Lochmaddy, while important shellfish deliveries are being prioritised to meet Christmas demand.

"Essential supplies such as food and medicine are also being prioritised."

He added: "Technicians will be on site late tomorrow afternoon to repair the pitch control and the steelwork, and if these are resolved as planned, an amended timetable will operate during daylight hours from Wednesday.

"The radar will be fixed as soon as parts have been sourced, which will not be until Wednesday at the earliest." Tuesday is already a timetabled non-service day on the Lochboisdale service.

In May, the Lord of the Isles was out of action for two weeks because it needed essential repairs to its firefighting system.