CalMac’s fleet shortage and vessel defects have left Barra without a ferry to Oban since Sunday.
Repeat changes and regular disruption dents confidence for intending travellers and businesses in their attempts to book journeys.
Relief ships have been filling in under a shared service with South Uist while regular ship, MV Isle of Lewis, has been delayed at her annual overhaul in Aberdeen.
But the ferry should have returned a couple of weeks ago according to her initial drydock arrangements.
MV Hebridean Isles covered the routes until she was redeployed to Islay.
Hopes of detouring MV Lord of the Isles from her own South Uist run are hampered by her operating restrictions due to a fault which prevents her going to sea in other than decent weather.
No sailing operated to the mainland on Monday.
An inbound ferry arrived at Castlebay on Monday via Lochboisdale but could not carry
out passenger sailings due to the brisk wind. She returned to South Uist this morning
(Tuesday) for shelter from incoming adverse weather. The Barra -
CalMac advised cancellations late tonight for the Wednesday service.
A sailing may be possible for Thursday said the shipping company.
CalMac said, due to an oil leak, MV Lord of the Isles’ port stabiliser is out of operation.
“As a result, there are now limitations in place regarding the weather and sea states in which the vessel can safely operate and service is at risk of short notice disruption or cancellation.
“Our fleet management team is working with the manufacturer and external stakeholders regarding options for temporary and permanent repair to allow the stabiliser to return to operation.”
In any case, gusts up to 51mph would have excluded MV Lord of the Isles venturing out of Loch Boisdale on Wednesday.
No date has been provided for the return to normal service.
Timetable chop and change leaves Barra without mainland bound ferry for days
12 March 2024
