Group voices ferry fears

A Western Isles community group has become the latest organisation to voice concern that a busy island ferry will be cancelled for six weeks next year.

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has said that its Stornoway- Ullapool service will be unable to run in the spring because of harbour works on the mainland.

The firm is now trying to make alternative arrangements to transport essential goods to Lewis.

Now the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership has added its voice to concerns about the impact on the islands.

The chairman, Councillor Angus Campbell said: “There is no doubt the work to the link span in Ullapool is both necessary, and will help make the turnaround much swifter and more efficient, however, we are very disappointed with the lack of communication from CMAL and CalMac on this issue. We still do not know when exactly this sixweek period will come into force or what alternative provision will be made. This is very concerning and I would encourage CalMac to discuss their plans with our communities as soon as possible.”