Transport Ferry chaos fears after breakdown

SCOTLAND’S ferry network faces widespread disruption as vessels are moved around after the breakdown of Calmac’s largest vessel.

As the islands prepare to welcome visitors again next week, Calmac has been forced to move vessels around on the network as the MV Loch Seaforth is out of service on the Ullapool to Stornoway route until “at least” the end of the month. The MV Isle of Arran will be temporarily taking over the overnight freight run on the Stornoway-ullapool route from tonight. But this

means that only one vessel will be serving the busy Ardrossan-brodick route from April 29 – the MV Caledonian Isles – until a timescale for repairs has been confirmed.

Additional capacity will be provided by doubling up sailings on the Claonaig-lochranza route during this time.

Passengers who have already booked sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick during this period will be offered alternative sailings as a priority. Space will be limited on April 30 and May 1.

The ferry service to Campbeltown, which was set to restart on April 29, has been suspended to accommodate essential demand elsewhere.

The possibility of hiring a vessel on a temporary basis has been explored but none are available at short notice. This includes the former Pentland Firth ferry, MV Pentalina, which is not going to be free for a number of weeks, said a spokesperson for Calmac.

Robbie Drummond, managing director of Calmac, said: “It is vital that a freight service is provided on the Stornoway-ullapool route and this movement of vessels is necessary to provide this.

“This situation is far from ideal, and we apologise for how these changes will affect passengers. We will endeavour to offer alternative sailings to everyone who has already booked tickets between Ardrossan and Brodick.

“We know how disruptive this will be for customers and we will keep everyone informed of any further developments. Thank you for your patience at this time.”

The MV Isle of Lewis was previously carrying out the overnight freight service but the vessel cannot continue to do this as it is unable maintain three return crossings in 24 hours due to crew availability.

She will continue to operate the day services.

Specialist engineers are currently working on the Loch Seaforth engines in Greenock.