Ullapool car ferry service cancelled for six weeks

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Ullapool car ferry service cancelled for six weeks 5/11/14

There will be no full ferry service between Stornoway and Ullapool for a six week period due to harbour works on the mainland side, according to Ullapool Harbour Trust.

Ferry operator Caledonian Macbrayne is making alternative arrangements to transport essential goods to Lewis.

No date has been given for the start of the disruptions but cars and freight lorries will be unable to use the Wester Ross port for a month and a half.

A foot passenger-only ferry service is expected to be provided to Ullapool, probably by a smaller ferry.

For vehicles, options are to operate a ferry between Stornoway and Skye - however, the new MV Loch Seaforth, which should be on the run by then, cannot berth at the Uig pier.

The MV Isle of Lewis could possibly be deployed for a Lewis to Skye run though it is thought Cal Mac would be considering another vessel for such a voyage.

It is unclear if the MV Clipper Ranger - which sails a nightly freight voyage to Stornoway - can dock at Uig without modifications.

Some island traffic may be encouraged to use the Tarbert to Skye service to take the pressure off a direct temporary Skye link.

When Hebrides News previously raised the Ullapool disruptions and the temporary sea link to Skye, Cal Mac promised to “advise ferry travellers of any likely disruption as soon as possible.”

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said it was seeking to establish Cal Mac’s intentions for an interim service.

An Ullapool Harbour Trust spokesman said: “To complete the ferry infrastructure upgrade the harbour has received sufficient funding to replace the 42-year old car ramp with work scheduled to start in early November.

“The new two-lane linkspan will be quieter and more efficient in discharging vehicles and reducing turnaround times.

“For a six-week period the ferry will be unable to discharge vehicles – a passenger only run is being planned by the operator.”

The spokesman added: “Ullapool Harbour Trustees apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused but given the age of the existing structure, a full replacement of the linkspan is the only realistic option.”

The construction means further disruption for villagers.

Meanwhile, £10 million pier redevelopment works at Ullapool has a new fender system and bollards installed to accommodate the new MV Loch Seaforth ferry, which is significantly larger than the present vessel, MV Isle of Lewis. Adding a new storey onto the passenger terminal building is scheduled for completion in January.

The £42 million Loch Seaforth has just been built in Germany and is due to arrive in Scotland on Friday.

She will will take over from the MV Isle of Lewis and the freight vessel, MV Clipper Ranger to provide a combined freight and passenger service.

The MV Isle of Lewis will be retained at Stornoway for a period.