CalMac’s chartered ferry, MV Alfred, is remaining in the Western Isles area for a while longer.
The 85-metre-long ship is providing a substitute lifeline timetable for Uist, sailing between Tarbert and Lochmaddy, because of a long series of outages on the Sound of Harris link.
MV Loch Portain which operates the inter-island link is underpowered following engine problems and is only legally permitted to carry passengers in fair weather.
Essential replacement parts are still awaited after CalMac was let down by a supplier last month, so the vessel presently remains tied up more often than not.
With the Skye triangle service still out of action after the upgraded pier in Uig failed to reopen on the promised rescheduled date due to a problem with the installed bollards there would be no alternative route for travel between the northern and southern parts of the Western Isles without the Alfred.
A sizeable amount of inter-island trade depend upon the Leverburgh - Berneray link with many essential goods and services transported in a north to south direction for Uist and Barra. The route is also vital for people travelling for medical and business reasons.
MV Alfred’s deployment for Uist has now been extended until further notice while Western Isles ferry sailings continue to be disrupted by the Skye pier shutdown and the diminished service on the Sound of Harris.
Highland Council, which owns the Skye ferry harbour hopes the facility can now reopen on Friday but that wholly depends on a successful berthing trial.
CalMac’s chartered vessel, MV Alfred, remains in Western Isles as contingency measure
18 December 2023