Islands facing more ferries disruption as fifth delay over vessel repair confirmed

SCOTLAND’S islands’ ferry network faces at least another two weeks of disruption after plans to have its largest vessel back in service were put off for a fifth time in a month.

MV Loch Seaforth was taken off the Ullapool-stornoway route by state ferry operator Calmac a month ago to be taken into dry dock for “major” engine repairs.

The publicly-funded firm had initially said the eight-year-old vessel would be out of action until “at least the end of April” at the earliest but has since kept putting that date back. On Thursday Calmac said it was expected back by May 21 at the earliest.

Now, as the islands start to open up to visitors with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the return of the vessel has been pushed back yet again to May 28 at the earliest.

Calmac said that “ongoing repairs” on Loch Seaforth, one of the youngest of the fleet, having entered service six years ago, have revealed “further issues” which will require attention.

It comes a matter of days after Scotland’s crisis-hit ferry network came under fresh fire after a new series of breakdowns and setbacks with five of its fleet, leading to service cancellations and restrictions.

The Herald revealed how the failure of Loch Seaforth resulted in cuts to other services across the ferry network as vessels for other routes were shifted around.

Calmac said that plans are being put in place to ensure essential freight continues to be brought to and from the Western Isles as a matter of urgency. Temporary changes to vessels across the network will remain in place for the time being.

Calmac managing director Robbie Drummond said: “This is frustrating news, as we were expecting to see the Loch Seaforth return to service sooner than this. We will continue to work closely with customers to keep them updated.”