A welcome reprieve – ferries return to action
CalMac have announced that the ferry network has returned to full normality, with the return of the MV Hebrides and the MV Isle of Lewis after a prolonged period of absence.
The MV Hebrides resumed service on Wednesday, while the Loch Seaforth is due back in Stornoway tomorrow (Saturday).
Their absence has caused major difficulties with travelling at one of the busiest times of the year, with bookings on the Stornoway-Ullapool crossing suspended and a restricted timetable introduced.
CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: “Earlier this week, we restored normal service levels to Coll, Colonsay, Mull, South Uist and Tiree with the return of MV Hebrides. Now, with MV Isle of Lewis returning from repairs two weeks ahead of schedule, we can plan ahead with a level of confidence.
“We are delighted to have MV Alfred staying with us until the end of our summer timetable in October and, when all major units are available, we will have a resilience vessel throughout the peak summer months.
“Having a resilience vessel enables us to respond to any technical breakdowns quickly and to trial different vessels in different ports and better understand what can operate where.
"This allows us to make improvements to which vessels provide cover during our annual maintenance programme each winter and therefore improve the quality of service we offer island communities."