A task group has been set up to fight for a second ship on the busy Stornoway to Ullapool route.

Transport minister Keith Brown asked the council for “solid and robust evidence” that Lewis will end up with a worse ferry service despite the building of a new bigger £42 million ship.

The new MV Loch Seaforth is due to replace the present two ferries - MV Isle of Lewis and the dedicated freight ship, MV Clipper Ranger.

But peak sailings look set to be cut as the new ferry will must also carry large haulage trucks presently handled by the dedicated freight boat on a nightly run to the mainland.

Lewis may only get three sailings a day instead of the present four during the busy summer period - a move which angers councillors, tourism providers and the haulage industry

Officially, the Loch Seaforth is estimated to be able to carry up to 20 articulated lorries. However, around 24 trucks book on to the present overnight ferry, MV Clipper Ranger, at busy periods.

It is feared the new ferry will be unable to cope with a predicted increase in traffic - including haulage and passenger cars - over the next few years.

Having a brand new ship is no consolation for a lack of vehicle-deck space or reduced sailings, highlight critics.

With decisions over timetables and deployment of Cal Mac’s vessels imminent, Western Isles Council is collaborating with development and business agencies to make the case for a dedicated freight ship to be based for Lewis.

Western Isles Council’s transport chief John Mackay urged the transport minister to agree to come to a meeting in the Western Isles to thrash out the issues face-to-face “as soon as possible” with representatives from the tourism sector, local industry and business as well as haulage firms.

Mr Mackay said: “We are forecasting increasing demand on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, and the introduction of the new vessel under the proposed operating procedures will severely restrict economic growth.”

Mr Mackay stated: “We strongly feel the very real need for the proposed capacity ...to be augmented by a dedicated freight vessel.

“The task group will seek to carry out a short piece of work, the aim of which is to demonstrate need and the implications to the island communities and business sectors should it not be provided.”

In a letter to transport minister Keith Brown, Mr Mackay stressed: “The strength of feeling about this matter should not be underestimated by anybody and we would wish to make you aware of the very real concerns expressed at the recent meetings of the Task Group and the Hebrides Ferry Users Group that Transport Scotland and CalMac are simply not understanding the views and concerns of the communities served by these lifeline ferry services.

“Although there is an estimated 42% increase in car capacity, the addition of freight takes that advantage away and indeed at busy times could mean a reduction of car spaces when we need them most.”

Any decision for a second ship lies with Transport Scotland which funds the routes through a contract. Cal Mac does not own any ships but leases the vessels from government agency Cmal.

Task group fights for second ferry 1/7/14

The new MV Loch Seaforth will replace two ferries