Another spell of strong winds and rough seas are forecast today (Tuesday) for Hebridean and west coast ferry routes with disruption announced on some links.
South Uist sailings are cancelled for the second day in a row as the combination of wind and sea swell exceeds safety operating margins for the Lord of the Isles.
CalMac pointed out: “Cancelling a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve.
“However, the safety of our customers and crew must come first. In this instance, the master of the vessel has judged it is necessary in response to the assessment of adverse weather conditions.”
The larger MV Isle of Lewis plans to depart at 5am some two hours earlier than timetable, arriving Oban at 10am with a slightly longer passage time to avoid berthing constraints in the mainland port. Unloading and loading will take half an hour and the vessel will then proceed to sea.
Due to adverse weather forecast with winds gusting above 50mph, the first scheduled return sailings between Barra and Eriskay are cancelled. Further sailings remain liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice with afternoon sailings at a higher risk.
MV Loch Bhrusda’s crossings for the Sound of Harris also risk cancellation.
After remaining in Ullapool since yesterday afternoon, MV Loch Seaforth was due to operate her overnight freight run from the mainland. The ship plans to pick up her passenger timetable at 7am from Stornoway.
MV Hebrides is back in action following an engine fault yesterday which led to some cancelled sailings. Despite the weather forecast, the vessel intends to venture out to sea. She is due to depart Lochmaddy on her normal Skye triangle timetable this morning.
Second gale in two days hampers ferry services
3 June 2025
