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April 2016
A major ferry breakdown means a second week of cancellations and disruptions for Barra.
The MV Isle of Lewis is out of action with "technical problems."
Hebrides News understands she requires a new oil cooler for a main engine but spare parts are not immediately available.
Donald Maclean of Barratlantic which exports fresh seafood to the continent said: “Everyone is affected. It is not ideal but we are getting around the disruption.”
He praised Cal Mac for "being helpful, doing their best and pulling out the stops.”
Mr Maclean reckoned the firm could cope as long as the ferry company gives plenty of advance notice of the various amended timings.
He pointed out the island was reliant on the patience of communities in the Inner
Hebrides who are experiencing knock-
The MV Isle of Lewis steamed to Greenock on one engine for repairs.
A Cal Mac spokesman said: “The technical problem which has led to her being taken out of service requires a replacement part that is proving very difficult to source, but we are doing everything we can to resolve the problem and in the meantime have put contingencies in place to maintain the service."
CalMac Ferries thanked the Barra community for "their patience during this period of disruption and we are sorry for any disruption caused to our customers."
The MV Clansman will provide a degree of relief cover including a return run on Wednesday.
The Clansman’s deployment on the route means knock-
Major ferry breakdown creates travel upheaval
20 April 2016