Risk of Christmas travel disruption if Skye triangle ferry route fails to reopen on time

Harris ferry cancelled for weeks and North Uist service diverted during Uig pier works

25 August 2023

A risk of construction work delays means Uig pier in Skye may not be open for Lochmaddy and Tarbert ferries over Christmas and New Year.

CalMac warns any over-run to pier construction works could result in the harbour remaining closed “over the Christmas period as the contractor will have a holiday shutdown.”

People intending to travel may be affected as restarting Harris and North Uist sailings through Skye ahead of the busy festive period are not guaranteed at this stage.

Highland Council is closing Uig harbour for a second round of pier upgrades from 30 October with a planned reopening date of 12 December.

Ferry service changes are similar to the arrangements during the first outage shutdown during last January and the end of March.

All sailings for Harris are cancelled for the duration of the closure period while MV Hebrides will operate a daily Lochmaddy to Ullapool return sailing. This arrangement is set to continue if Uig pier remains out of action over Christmas and New Year.

CalMac highlights the potential for disrupted travel plans if construction works end up behind schedule.

“The Highland Council, who are managing the project, will communicate this information, and we will also inform customers about any potential delays or impacts to journeys,” said the shipping operator.

“Caledonian MacBrayne advise customers to check their journeys in advance if the harbour remains closed over Christmas and New Year.

“This is something we will plan for ourselves, but it isn't something we can control.”