Gordon Murray, the SNP councillor representing Stornoway North, is calling on Stornoway Port Authority to urgently resolve the ongoing malfunction of the Passenger Access System (PAS) at Stornoway Ferry Terminal.
The harbour board-owned gangway bridge for CalMac ferry, MV Loch Seaforth, has been
out of service for over a year, forcing foot passengers to navigate the car deck
- which Mr Murray said is “inconvenient, potentially hazardous, and particularly
challenging for the elderly, disabled or mobility-impaired islanders and visitors.”
Specialist structural engineers have been conducting further surveys at the pier in recent days.
Cllr Murray stated: "The prolonged failure of the PAS is unacceptable and has caused widespread frustration across the Western Isles. This vital ferry link supports our economy, tourism, yet passengers face daily disruptions.
“Visitors are greeted with a poor first impression of our islands. I've urged Mr Macleod to deliver a clear timeline for a permanent fix, improve temporary access and communicate openly with our community."
In a letter to the harbour board, he highlights delays due to insurance processes and calls for an enhanced interim solution to ensure “safety and accessibility.”
Cllr Murray says he seeks a resolution that supports the Outer Hebrides economic and demographic goals.
Alex Macleod, chief executive at Stornoway Port, said: “We understand the frustration caused by the PAS at Stornoway Ferry Terminal being out of service.
“We must, however, refute any suggestion from Cllr Murray that current arrangements are unsafe or hazardous. Since the initial PAS failure, a temporary access route has been in place and is subject to frequent safety inspections.
“Trained CalMac staff are on hand to assist passengers, and while we acknowledge the system is less convenient than the PAS, safety remains our top priority.”
He explained: “CalMac Ferries have determined that the current temporary access and egress route is the safest available for the Loch Seaforth, given the vessel’s higher freeboard.
“Standard passenger gangways used at other Outer Hebrides ports are not suitable for this vessel. This form of temporary access is also common across a number of Scottish ports.
“Interim mitigations, including the dedicated luggage van and additional passenger support on both sides of the crossing, have been very well received, particularly by those travelling with luggage and we would be keen to work with partners to ensure this becomes a permanent fixture.”
Mr Macleod continued: “We believe the port has consistently played a major role in driving economic activity across the Outer Hebrides and recognise the importance of reliable infrastructure to support the island’s economy. We remain committed to that role as we work through this issue. The temporary system put in place has had zero impact on the ferry timetable and the service provided.
“Work continues to progress as highlighted by specialist structural engineers being
on site this week to undertake further surveys in respect to finding a long-term
solution.”
He stressed: “Ultimately, as we have previously outlined, the PAS suffered a serious failure, and it is essential that any solution implemented meets the highest safety standards and fit for purpose.
“The port will not be pressurised into providing a short-term solution which does
not provide a viable long-term safe, reliable and robust resolution.
“Delays to a permanent solution are due to complex insurance and legal processes that remain completely outside the port’s control, and we continue to push for a faster resolution. However, we must be clear: the timeline for permanent repair or replacement remains dependent on processes currently being led by our insurance provider.
“Until these are concluded, we are not in a position to confirm when physical works can begin.
“We appreciate that this uncertainty is frustrating, but it would be irresponsible to offer a timeline we do not know to be accurate, and we cannot commit to speculative dates.”
Temporary passenger access for Stornoway ferry, MV Loch Seaforth, is safe highlights harbour board
2 May 2025
