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The surplus Stornoway ferry, MV Isle of Lewis, is being tested out for her next route.

 

The ship carried out berthing trials at various linkspans on the west coast.

 

It included Mull where the community is keen to see her deployed to carry out additional sailings for the island.

 

A Cal Mac spokesman explained it was carrying out trial berthings "in a number of ports across our network to see what options we have for her deployment, both permanently and during refits or periods of disruption, when she is no longer needed on this route."

 

On her southbound voyage, the Lewis tested out Tarbert Harris, Lochmaddy, Castlebay, Oban, Mull, Troon, Ardrossan, Brodick and Campbeltown.

 

She did not try out other ports, such as Mallaig, where it is already known she is too big to operate

 

Likewise, Lochboisdale is too tight navigationally and so tidally restricted that the MV Isle of Lewis would not be operate any meaningful level of service.

 

The ship started the tour on Friday. She is due back in Stornoway on Wednesday.

 

Cal Mac stressed that "no decisions on her future deployment have been taken."

 

Surplus Stornoway ferry tested out for her next route   

9 June 2015