CalMac has pencilled in a special sailing for MV Lord of The Isles (Loti) tomorrow (Thursday), providing the glue dries on her bow seal.
The vessel has yet to return to service from drydock, being laid-up in Oban this
week following technical problems.
Issues with the rubber packing around her bow visor prevents her picking up any route until the seal is firmly attached and provides a watertight fit.
While repairs are being carried out the ship remains at the lighthouse wharf in Oban to prevent blocking the usual CalMac piers for working ferries.
Subject to final tests, the vessel may reposition to South Uist, on a passenger carrying voyage departing at 3pm on Thursday afternoon.
However, confirmation of this service will not be available until around 12 noon and will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
The Loti is earmarked to operate the South Uist run for just three weeks before she is redeployed elsewhere. A replacement ship has been assigned to the route to run a reduced shared service with Barra for a month though this will rely on the progress of CalMac’s drydocking maintenance schedule.
CalMac hopes plan to resume South Uist ferry sailings will stick
11 December 2024
