Due to a smaller vessel operating on the Sound of Harris ferry crossing, CalMac is strongly advising passengers to book before travel.
MV Loch Bhrusda is covering the route while the regular ship is undergoing her annual overhaul.
The Brusda car deck can accommodates up to 18 cars around half of Loch Portain’s capacity.
Loch Portain arrived at Greenock today for a three week maintenance period.
She was due back on 25 February though that timescale may be extended due to her delayed departure.
Meanwhile, adverse weather today is affecting the MV Isle of Mull on her relief service for South Uist and Barra.
The Mull is delaying her departure from Oban. Instead of berthing in Lochboisdale overnight she plans to divert to Castlebay with an arrival time of around 8.25pm. This afternoon and evening service remains liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
The detour leaves the ship out of position for the timetabled South Uist service on Thursday morning. A spell of strong south westerly winds accompanied by some very rough seas in the area is presently forecast for Thursday prompting CalMac to place the service on yellow alert.
In a later update CalMac said Thursday morning’s Lochboisdale sailing is cancelled. The ship will now leave Barra at 8.30am and remain in Oban overnight into Friday resulting in the cancellation of the return sailing. No livestock will be carried and passage may take longer due to adverse weather.
Friday morning’s sailing out of Castlebay is cancelled. MV Isle fo Mull intends to depart Oban at 1045.am on Friday for Barra and onward to Uist, weather permitting.
Reduced capacity on Sound of Harris crossings, CalMac urges ferry traffic to book in advance to guarantee travel
5 February 2025