The heavily diminished ferry service for both South Uist and Barra continues after last minute engine problems materialised with the MV Isle of Lewis during her annual overhaul.
The Lewis remains out of action in Aberdeen harbour while the engine fault is investigated
and repairs undertaken which pushes her absence beyond next weekend when Western
Isles schools break-up for the Easter holidays.
Final inspections preparing towards formal approval for sea-going duties were being
undertaken at a lay-up berth when the issue emerged it is understood. The Lewis was
previously delayed to replace corroded steelwork and should have been sailing back
today (Saturday) to pick up her Castlebay run tomorrow, releasing MV Isle of Mull
to operate a seven-day Lochboisdale to Oban timetable.
Due to CalMac’s chronically depleted fleet and lack of suitable vessels, MV Isle
of Mull is being shared on a relief service for South Uist - as its own vessel, MV
Lord of the Isles, is reassigned to cover Tiree, Coll, and Colonsay - on a combined
schedule with Barra.
However, legal restrictions imposed upon the Mull due to a condemned marine evacuation system have the effect of preventing her from carrying more than 45 passengers at any time. The situation was just about manageable when introduced in January on the South Uist service but difficult to cope with at periods of increased demand as she currently operates to two island ports.
A CalMac spokeswoman told Hebrides News: “MV Isle of Lewis has been delayed in dry dock due to an emergent issue relating to the stable running of the vessel's main engines.
“The vessel should have resumed service on the 23 March but based on current estimates, she will now resume service on the 31 March.”
She added: “MV Isle of Mull will continue to operate a combined Castlebay /Lochboisdale service until 30 March with additional connecting sailings being operated on the Sound of Barra service.
“The Sound of Barra sailings will remain by request at 3pm on the day before travel.”
CalMac says its booking system will be updated to reflect the disruption change and
allow port teams a chance to work through affected customers. As a result, bookings
between Oban-Castlebay and Lochboisdale from 24 March- 30 March will be closed for
reservations.
Impacted passengers who will suffer delays and detours should expect to be contacted
over the coming days. Once their travel changes are taken into account, any remaining
available passenger and deck space will be re-opened for reservations.
CalMac stresses: “Due to the reduction in capacity of MV Isle of Mull, all customers,
including foot passengers, are advised to pre-book their journey.”
MV Loch Alainn will operate additional sailings on the Ardmhor - Eriskay route to
provide connections to and from MV Isle of Mull.
Barra and South Uist ferry woes continue as engine problems impact MV Isle of Lewis
22 March 2025