Strong south westerly winds up to force eight risks disruption to CalMac ferry services in the Western Isles and west coast.
With wind speeds expecting to exceed 46mph, MV Loch Seaforth overnight freight sailing faces delay or possible cancellation from Ullapool. CalMac said her 7am departure from Stornoway is also on yellow alert.
The present reduced ferry service for Castlebay and Lochboisdale is exacerbated by weather conditions.
Essential goods and traffic will not be transported directly to Barra tomorrow (Tuesday) due to timetable cancellations so will be shipped on the shared MV Hebridean Isles which will proceed straight to Lochboisdale. Incoming Barra traffic will be detoured via a special late sailing from Eriskay. Passage times for the mainland runs may be extended if the ship has to divert the long way round the Small Isles to avoid the worst of the weather.
Some Castlebay sailings are cancelled as the relief vessel seeks a sheltered berth during this period of gale force winds. MV Hebridean Isles will call in at Barra first this evening on her sailing from Oban before heading to tie up in South Uist.
No Barra service will operate on Tuesday. Wednesday’s timetable is as yet known but will have changes. CalMac advised sailings on the routes are also on yellow alert for Thursday.
Many crossings on the Sound of Harris are full for vehicles this week due to the combination of cut sailings due to low tides and the reduced capacity of the relief vessel. MV Loch Bhrusda is covering while MV Loch Portain is in overhaul.
Gale force winds threaten ferry sailings
26 February 2024
