CalMac postpones ferry resilience berthing trials for Stornoway and Skye triangle

30 September 2024

CalMac has put off plans to send Islay ferry MV Finlaggan to test out the new Skye triangle berthing infrastructure.

The vessel was also due to visit Stornoway but that too is on hold.

The Finlaggan was ready to carry out the trials a fortnight ago.

However, the current crisis in the fleet unfolded - with persistent delays in MV Caledonian Isles returning to service - and the trials were swiftly called off.

Upgraded piers and mooring bollard layout have been installed at all three harbours since the vessel last provided relief cover at Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert some years ago.

The aim of the harbour tests is to expand CalMac’s deployment options throughout the winter timetable period and add resilience to the whole service.

If case of future breakdowns in the fleet, the Finnlagan could temporarily replace MV Hebrides on the Little Minch route.

The three day trials are expected to be rescheduled to a later date.