Ferry shambles as CalMac sailings revert back to Uist -
23 March 2023
CalMac has diverted sailings away from Uig Harbour in Skye following Highland Council’s announcement that vehicles longer than 10 metres in length are unable to travel through it.
Normal timetabled sailings by MV Hebrides for Tarbert and Lochmaddy were expected to resume today following harbour works carried out by Highland Council.
But Highland Council has ruled longer vehicles are not permitted to board the ferry at Uig due to the temporary linkspan alignment and limited turning space at the council owned pier.
As a result, for today, customers who intended travelling via Uig will be diverted via Stornoway – Ullapool and an additional service will be provided between Tarbert and Lochmaddy.
From tomorrow (Friday) until further notice CalMac will revert to the Uig closure services with a daily service provided between Lochmaddy – Ullapool.
After today, Harris services are cancelled again until Uig pier reopens properly.
On present estimates, the Skye triangle service is hoped to properly restart on Tuesday but that is not guaranteed.
► Last minute Uig pier reopening restrictions creates chaos for haulage deliveries
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “We were assured by Highland Council, who are the harbour authority, that there would be no restrictions on operations at Uig.
“However, this has now been proven to not be the case.
“We are seeking urgent confirmation of the situation from Highland Council as this has caused enormous disruption and upset to our customers.
“We are pressing Highland Council to resolve this matter as quickly as possible so that we can resume our services to Uig.
“We plan to resume normal Little Minch services on 28 March -
“We are seeking urgent confirmation of the situation from the council as this has caused enormous disruption and upset to our customers.
“We are pressing the council to resolve this matter as quickly as possible so that we can resume our services to Uig.
“We fully appreciate and share the frustration felt by communities regarding this very late notice from Highland Council, which brings more uncertainty to our communities regarding the reopening of Uig.
“Please be assured that we are working closely with the Highland Council and will provide a further update as soon as we are able to.”