Knock-on disruption after ferries’ returns delayed – BBC News

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Issues affecting three CalMac ferries has resulted in wider disruption across the company’s west coast network.

The Inner Hebrides’ MV Clansman and Islay’s MV Hebridean Isles are out of action due to technical problems.

Delays have hit the return of Arran’s MV Caledonian Isles from its annual overhaul and the ship has been in dry dock since 9 January.

The situation has led to delays to routine overhauls of other ferries in state-owned CalMac’s fleet.

The affected ferries are:

  • Caledonian Isles – It has not returned to its Ardrossan-Brodick route from its annual overhaul due to repairs needed to damaged bearings
  • Hebridean Isles – Has been removed from service because of an intermittent fault with a propeller system
  • Clansman – Out of action and undergoing repairs to an engine
  • Hebrides – This ferry has been providing relief cover between Lochmaddy and Ullapool while work is being done to Skye’s Uig pier. Its overhaul has been delayed due to the Clansman not being available to take over its duties
  • Lord of the Isles – Covering Coll-Tiree-Colonsay services until the Clansman returns to service. It is then to be moved to cover Lochmaddy-Ullapool
  • MV Loch Frisa – Its visit to dry dock has been pushed back from 6 March to 24 April due to issues with the Clansman and Hebridean Isles. It is providing a service between Oban and Craignure
  • MV Finlaggan – CalMac said the Islay ferry’s overhaul due on 15 March could be delayed

CalMac has also warned that repairs are needed to lifting ropes on the linkspan, a structure providing access from the shore to ferries, at Castlebay on Barra.

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