Latest planned changes for Western Isles ferries

CalMac has announced the latest changes to vessel deployment across the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.

The update outlines which vessels are serving each route, as CalMac continues to work to provide lifeline services during delays to its annual maintenance period.

Chief Executive Robbie Drummond said: “We are aware of the significant effect this situation is having on customers and businesses. This is at the forefront of our mind as we continue to focus on resuming a normal service.

“We will be able to return to the usual summer timetable as soon as vessels return from annual maintenance.

“Berthing trials for MV Alfred have also been completed and we look forward to the much-needed resilience she will provide to the network.”

Lochmaddy/Tarbert-Uig services

MV Clansman will continue to deliver this service until approximately 25 May, operating the normal timetable, while MV Hebrides undertakes her delayed overhaul period. MV Hebrides will return to normal service on 25 May according to CalMac.

Lochboisdale services

When MV Loch Frisa returns from overhaul to deliver services between Craignure-Oban, MV Isle of Mull will resume Oban-Lochboisdale service, this is currently expected to begin on 12 May.

MV Lord of the Isles will then take over Lochboisdale service from 26 May. For the latest information, please check our service status pages.

Castlebay-Oban services

As per CMAL's announcement that Castlebay linkspan will be closed between 21-26 May to allow them to repair wire lifting ropes, additional sailings will be available on the Sound of Barra services to allow additional support and connections for diverted customers - and it is expected that the service from Lochboisdale - Oban service will resume from 12 May.

Coll/Tiree-Oban services

MV Lord of the Isles will continue to operate an amended timetable until 25 May. MV Clansman will return to the route on 26 May, operating a normal summer timetable.

Colonsay service

Until 25 May, the service will operate from Kennacraig to Colonsay on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the service will operate from Oban. During this period, there will be no services on Sundays. Normal service will resume with MV Clansman on 26 May.

Craignure-Oban services

MV Isle of Mull and MV Coruisk will continue to operate this service while MV Loch Frisa undertakes overhaul. When MV Loch Frisa returns on 12 May, MV Isle of Mull will be deployed to Oban-Lochboisdale service. MV Coruisk and MV Loch Frisa will operate on the route from 12 May to 26 May.

Mallaig-Armadale services

A single vessel timetable will now continue to operate between Armadale-Mallaig until 27 May We expect normal service to resume once MV Coruisk returns from covering services between Oban-Craignure. This is currently scheduled for 28 May.

Ardrossan-Brodick services

MV Caledonian Isles continues to operate a single vessel service between Ardrossan-Brodick. We are currently reviewing our deployment options for the period from Sunday 28 May. We are assessing whether it is possible to operate a second vessel service on this route. This will be dependent on the return of MV Hebridean Isles, and confirmation of availability of MV Alfred to operate within the network. We will provide a further update when these are finalised on our service status pages.

Campbeltown-Ardrossan services

Services between Campbeltown-Ardrossan are now scheduled to begin on 1 June.

Islay services

MV Finlaggan and MV Isle of Arran will continue to operate the Islay services until 4 June when MV Finlaggan departs for overhaul. She is currently expected to return to service on 30 June. We will share further details on vessel deployment for the period from 4 June, as soon as we can. This too will be dependent on the return of MV Hebridean Isles, and confirmation of availability of MV Alfred to operate within the network.

Whilst reservation systems are updated to reflect changes, some sailings may be unavailable to book. CalMac said its teams are in the process of contacting and supporting any customer who is affected.

Latest changes for Western Isles ferries

5 May 2023