Western Isles ferries are preparing for a busy burst of activity for storm delayed Christmas getaway.
CalMac ferries have been weatherbound in harbour since Friday night due to wild winds and heavy seas though MV Hebrides and MV Loch Seaforth are venturing out in inclement weather.
Hundreds of people had rushed to bring forward their weekend Christmas weekend as the bad weather loomed. Hauliers are also anxious to transfer goods, supplies, and festive fare in time between the mainland and different Hebridean ports.
Others without the flexibility make a last minute pre-weekend ferry dash add to the
backlog of passengers, vehicles and freight now setting out on the journey.
Sailings for Lewis, Harris, and North Uist were put off for the first half of today but will operate from this afternoon.
MV Hebrides is already making a head start in transporting passengers and vehicles as she punches through rough seas this evening. Her last run tonight will operate from Skye to North Uist continuing to Tarbert. Normal timetable restarts at 7.30am on Monday. However, her evening from Uig may be delayed due to refuelling requirements.
MV Loch Seaforth will pick up her timetable with the Sunday teatime departure from Ullapool. The vessel will later load trucks in Stornoway for her overnight freight run.
Ferries ready to clear traffic backlog after storm disruption
22 December 2024
