North Uist demand the return of the Hebrides 13/2/13
Islanders on North Uist are creating a storm after losing their regular ferry, the MV Hebrides.
They are furious Caledonian Macbrayne has imposed the new Islay vessel, MV Finlaggan on the Skey to Lochmaddy route this winter.
Locals say the service is is suffering excessive cancelled or delayed sailings as a result.
North Uist Community Council has demanded the return of the Hebrides which is being used to cover for other ferries sent to their annual drydock.
Cllr Uisdean Robertson reckoned the Finlaggan is “not fit for purpose.”
He stated it was “critical” the islands gets a service not vulnerable to cancellations.
He said: “With the Hebrides we had a hugely reliable boat.
“Cal Mac is basically not listening to us.
“We want the Hebrides returned to the route as soon as possible.”
Mr Robertson was emphatic: “We do not want the MV Finlaggan on this route next winter. We want her removed as quickly as possible.”
A Calmac spokesman said: “We have received a letter from the North Uist Community Council outlining their concerns and we will be responding to these directly.
“We are aware that the MV Finlaggan has had some unexpected operational difficulties since coming onto the Uig triangle but these have been addressed and the recent cancellations are entirely due to extreme weather, which would present a challenge to any ship.
“The decision to cancel any sailing is never taken lightly and we regret any inconvenience caused but the safety of passengers, crew and the ship must be our priority.
“The MV Finlaggan is covering the route during the winter refit period and the MV Hebrides will return to the route when that is completed.
“The deployment of vessels during the winter refit is always difficult as we have limited options available to us but we do not accept criticism of our use of the MV Finlaggan on this route as it was done with the best of intentions, which was to provide the best service to as many remote and vulnerable communities as possible.
“It is our intention to review what went well and what went not so well during the annual overhaul period, and taking everything into account we will then look forward to vessel deployment for next winter.”