ISLE OF LEWIS

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Ferry woes continue due to engine fault

The trouble for the ferry service for both South Uist and Barra continued after last minute engine problems materialised with the 'Isle of Lewis' during her annual overhaul. The ferry remains out of action in Aberdeen while the engine fault was investigated and repairs were undertaken which pushed her absence beyond next weekend when Western Isles schools break-up for the Easter holidays. Final inspections preparing towards formal approval for sea-going duties were being undertaken at a lay-up berth when the issue emerged. The vessel was previously delayed to replace corroded steelwork and should have been sailing back on March 22, 2025, to pick up her Castlebay run, releasing the 'Isle of Mull' to operate a seven-day Lochboisdale to Oban timetable. The 'Isle of Mull' is being shared on a relief service for South Uist - as its own vessel, the 'Lord of the Isles', is reassigned to cover Tiree, Coll, and Colonsay - on a combined schedule with Barra. However, legal restrictions imposed upon the 'Isle of Mull' due to a condemned marine evacuation system have the effect of preventing her from carrying more than 45 passengers at any time. The situation was just about manageable when introduced in January on the South Uist service but difficult to cope with at periods of increased demand as she currently operates to two island ports.The 'Isle of Lewis' has been delayed in dry dock due to an emergent issue relating to the stable running of the vessel's main engines. The vessel should have resumed service on March 23, but based on current estimates, she will now resume service on March 31. The 'Isle of Mull' will continue to operate a combined Castlebay /Lochboisdale service until March 30 with additional connecting sailings being operated on the Sound of Barra service. The Sound of Barra sailings will remain by request at 3 p.m. on the day before travel. The CalMac booking system will be updated to reflect the disruption change and allow port teams a chance to work through affected customers. As a result, bookings between Oban-Castlebay and Lochboisdale from March 24- 30 will be closed for reservations. Impacted passengers who will suffer delays and detours should expect to be contacted over the coming days. Once their travel changes are taken into account, any remaining available passenger and deck space will be re-opened for reservations. Due to the reduction in capacity of MV Isle of Mull, all customers, including foot passengers, are advised to pre-book their journey. The 'Loch Alainn' will operate additional sailings on the Ardmhor - Eriskay route to provide connections to and from MV Isle of Mull.

Ferry suffered technical issue

The 'Isle of Lewis' had to be sidelined due to a technical issue on Dec 20, 2021. The scheduled sailing from Oban at 1 p.m. was delayed thus. After the issue had been resolved, the vessel departed Oban at 3.10 p.m.

Ferry delayed due to technical issue

The 'Isle of Lewis' suffereded a technical issue on July 8, 2021. As a consequence the scheduled sailing from Oban at 1 p.m. was delayed. The ship left port at 2.10 p.m. after the crew had resolved the problem, with an ETA at Castlebay as of 6.55 p.m.