CalMac cancels Lochboisdale sailings in June

The MV Hebridean Isles will not return to the Islay route this weekend as planned

CalMac has cancelled almost every ferry service to Lochboisdale in South Uist in June, due to continuing problems with its ageing fleet.

The MV Hebridean Isles was expected to return to the Islay route this weekend but instead it will be in dry dock as its "pitch control issues" continue.

Meanwhile, the MV Finlaggan will leave its Islay route for an overdue service.

It means there will be reduced capacity on the Islay route and the Lochboisdale service will not run from 3-30 June.

Disruption to the Lochboisdale route earlier this year led to claims that it was having a worse economic impact on the islands than the Covid lockdowns.

• Uist ferry disruption 'worse' than lockdown impact

• The problem with CalMac's ageing ferries

Islanders and local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have reacted with anger at the situation.

Transport Minister Kevin Stewart, who recently visited the Western Isles, said he was disappointed that communities had not been fully engaged about the disruption.

He added: "I have been very clear with CalMac that they must continue to explore all avenues as I am fully aware from my visit last week the direct impact the loss of service is having on the community."

MV Lord of the Isles is to be re-positioned

Robert Morrison, operations director for CalMac, said: "This was an extremely difficult decision and I understand that this will be disruptive for the local community and for customers who had planned to use this route.

"I apologise for the effect that this cancellation will have and can assure customers that we are working hard to get vessels back in service."

"MV Alfred has had a temporary repair carried out to her thruster - however, she cannot operate the published timetable as she is unable to operate to Kennacraig and would need to operate to either Troon or Campbeltown, which reduces the number of sailings that could be carried out," Mr Morrison added.

"Therefore, the decision has been taken to retain her on the Arran service."

CalMac said that while the Finlaggan is serviced, the MV Lord of the Isles would be redeployed to the Islay route.

It will operate alongside the MV Isle of Arran on a two service route, travelling between Kennacraig, Port Ellen and Port Askaig.

The ferry operator said the Finlaggan is expected to return from its annual maintenance on 30 June.

And if Hebridean Isles is back in service before the end of June, the Lochboisdale cancellation will be reviewed, it added.

CalMac said it was also investigating the possibility of putting on additional sailings on the Sound of Barra and on the Little Minch to support displaced traffic.

"Based on the Route Prioritisation Process, this would impact the least number of customers. This offers displaced Lochboisdale customers, who can use alternative routes for travel, connections via the Sound of Barra and Castlebay, or Lochmaddy, where space allows," the firm added.

'This trend must stop'

Uisdean Robertson, chairman of the comhairle's transport committee, said the Lochboisdale service was being repeatedly singled out for reduced services.

He said: "Yet again a decision impacting Uist has been taken without consultation with the comhairle or the people of Uist.

"This trend must stop now, it is time that individuals with the interests of Uist at heart are involved in discussions leading to such decisions."

Angus Campbell, of South Uist-based Kilbride Shellfish, said he could still get his product to the mainland via ferries from Castlebay or Lochmaddy, though this did involve extra fuel costs.

He said he was concerned about other local businesses.

"A lot depend on the tourist business and the people who want to come to these islands are not getting to come."

Four new ferries are being built in Turkey for Scotland's west coast routes and they are expected to be delivered by 2025.

However two ferries being built on the Clyde have been at the centre of controversy over the procurement process, delays and spiralling costs.

Earlier this year CalMac chief executive Robbie Drummond warned that the next two years would be "challenging" for residents of Scotland's islands due to the age of the fleet.