HEBRIDEAN ISLES

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Last farewell in Stornoway

With two blasts of its horn, the 'Hebridean Isles' left the quay at Stornoway for a final time on Nov 17, bound for Glasgow before it goes to the breakers. The decision was a tough one for the operator CalMac as the company is struggling to maintain services with an ageing fleet while awaiting the delivery of new vessels. But with its five-year survey due and certificates expiring, the cost and time required to keep the ship sailing was not considered feasible. The ship is one of many vessels in the CalMac fleet being so old it is impossible to source spare parts, which would have to be manufactured specially. Any useful parts from the 'Hebridean Isles' will end up in a large CalMac warehouse in Gourock that is used to keep the fleet going. Report with photos: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98ejdjpq96o

Ageing ferry to be retired in November

The 'Hebridean Isles' will leave CalMac’s fleet in Nov 2024 after almost four decades of operation, as she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul. Given her age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were she to enter it. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly missing the bulk of the winter timetable.. The 'Hebridean Isles'’ certification expires on Nov 21, so the ship will be removed from service by that date. CalMac expect her to exit active service in mid-November, allowing time to travel to a recycling facility before her certification expires. The vessel, which is one of the oldest in the CalMac fleet, has served west coast communities with distinction since her maiden voyage in December 1985. She has primarily served Islay in recent years. The first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey, Isle of Islay, will operate the route when she enters service later this year. A second vessel, the 'Loch Indaal', will serve Islay from early 2025. Works are ongoing to upgrade Kennacraig port on the mainland, and Port Askaig on Islay, in preparation for the new vessels arriving. They will increase vehicle and freight capacity on the route by almost 40 %. Photo by Mark Nicolson

Ferry sidelined after positive Covid-19 test

Due to a crew member returning as Covid-19 positive, the 'Hebridean Isles', which was servicing the route Ardrossan-Brodick, Scotland, has been withdrawn from service on Jan 7, 2022. On Jan 8 it left the port of Ardrossan again.