Transport Minister Graeme Dey was tackled in the Scottish Parliament over potential ferry cuts to Uist and Harris.
The island communities have the choice of more unsocial sailing times or carrying up to 20% less vehicles on journeys.
Mr Dey told MSPs: “Increasing demand on the route has led to CalMac deploying the mezzanine deck more frequently, which has led to challenges in the current timetable with loading and offloading.
“Any delays to sailings have knock-
Mr Dey said: “An option is therefore being developed to allow the mezzanine deck to be fully deployed with some amendments to timetables, resulting in the removal of the shoulder off-
He stressed: “However, if the community does not want that, the summer 2021 timetable will remain in place, although the mezz deck will not be in operation in order to avoid delays and cancellations.”
Labour’s Rhoda Grant highlighted that imposing reduced sailings on Saturdays -
She said: “If the issue is crewing, will he allow CalMac to employ more crews so that the ferry can run more often, allowing changeovers to happen?”
MSP Alasdair Allan said the proposed changes would result in an overall reduction in the number of sailings on the Skye triangle.
Later commenting on the take it or leave it options outlined by the Transport Minister, Allan said: “It is vital that our ferry services prioritise the needs of islanders, as well as providing adequate availability for tourists.
“There are understandably a huge number of operational and logistical factors that need to be considered, including of course ensuring that crew members get the Hours of Rest they need.
“However, I would urge CalMac and Transport Scotland to look again at these proposals, as less capacity on these routes next summer -
Mr Dey said CalMac is continuing to engage on the proposals with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which is the agreed consultation group for Western Isles services.
Transport Scotland officials are said to be liaising closely with CalMac on the matter.
Mezz deck row -
12 November 2021
