Island economies helped by additional ferry route sailings

The aim of the extra services is to provide more economic and social benefit for local people and businesses.

24th Jan 2020

Extra ferries are to operate on the Skye routes between North Uist and Harris in a bid to extend the tourism season.

From March 2 an extra 153 services will sail between Mallaig and Armadale, initially on a trial basis until March 26.

The extra services will be introduced at the same dates over the next three years.

And an additional 43 sailings will run between Berneray and Leverburgh from June to August to provide additional capacity in peak summer and will be added to the timetable on a permanent basis this summer.

The aim is to provide more economic and social benefit for local people and businesses.

Islands minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “I am very pleased to announce these additional services for two key routes on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network.

“They will help support communities on Skye, Harris and North Uist by giving local people, visitors and businesses more options on when and how to use these ferry links.

“The extra sailings have been added following consultation with community councils and local elected representatives, including both communities’ constituency MSPs, the Sleat Transport Forum and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, so I hope they will be welcomed by all involved.

“This announcement underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring our islands thrive and are supported by good transport links.”