Ferry evacuated on Skye after 'suspicious package' found on board

Passengers were forced to disembark the vessel at Uig when the package was discovered - however it was later found to pose no threat.

CalMac ferries cancelled after vessel evacuated on Skye over ‘suspicious package’ found on board iStock

A CalMac ferry was evacuated after a suspicious package was found on board while the vessel was moored on the Isle of Skye.

Passengers were forced to disembark from the vessel at the port of Uig shortly before 5pm following the discovery of the unknown item.

It later emerged the object posed no threat, however several sailings were cancelled as result of the probe.

The scheduled Uig – Tarbert journey eventually left shortly after 9pm – over four hours later than planned.

CalMac apologised to customers for the incident and rescheduled ferry times were later posted on social media.

“There will be an update provided for service on Friday 22nd July as soon as possible,” a statement on Twitter read.

“Cancelling a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve.”

Police Scotland said officers attended as a precautionary measure, but it was established the item was not dangerous.

A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a package on board a ferry at Uig Ferry Terminal on Isle of Skye around 4.55pm on Thursday, July 21.

“Enquiries were carried out and it was established that the package was not suspicious.”

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