After a period of postponements CalMac has finally published its summer timetables for South Uist.
Schedules for the inter-island routes - Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris - within
the Western Isles have also gone online.
However, at present the timetables are only for preview with passengers unable to buy tickets or book journeys.
Ticket sales for the route will not open until nearly six weeks before the start of the summer season.
Ferries begin to ramp up sailings and switch to the summer timetables from 28 March.
CalMac hopes MV Lord of the Isles (Loti) will transfer back to South Uist in time to pick up her designated route between Lochboisdale and Mallaig in time.
Uist is suffering a diminished service in her absence with the Loti being taken away to cover routes in the Inner Hebrides during their annual overhaul period due to the lack of spare ships in depleted CalMac fleet compounded by lengthy vessel outages, breakdowns, aging and underpowered vessels.
Timetable changes will affect South Uist and Barra on 14 July to meet demand for the Tiree Music Festival.
Issues which may affect vessel deployment for the CalMac network include a decision over covering the Islay service in April and May.
With MV Isle of Mull expected to continue operating with reduced passenger capacity at the start of the summer season due to issues with its marine evacuation system, MV Coruisk will remain in Oban to support Mull services until 15 May.
For a third season no ferry service is guaranteed for Campbeltown this summer.
Final tranche of CalMac’s summer timetable finalised but ferry tickets still not for sale
4 February 2025
