STV NewsCalMac’s ferry network has returned to normality more than a month after a critical situation impacted virtually every island.
The ferry operator had ten vessels from its 32-strong fleet out of action due to technical faults, annual overhauls or crewing issues in April.
The situation was described as “critical” and attributed to vessels being “too old and needing to be replaced”.
Following the return of the MV Hebrides and MV Isle of Lewis, the network has returned to full normality.
MV Hebrides returned to service on Wednesday, and MV Isle of Lewis, which was in extended drydock for steelwork, is on her way to Stornoway to resume service from Saturday, May 16.
The only major vessel still unavailable, MV Finlaggan, is in planned annual overhaul and due back on May 20.
CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: “Earlier this week, we restored normal service levels to Coll, Colonsay, Mull, South Uist and Tiree with the return of MV Hebrides. Now, with MV Isle of Lewis returning from repairs two weeks ahead of schedule, we can plan ahead with a level of confidence.
“We are delighted to have MV Alfred staying with us until the end of our summer timetable in October and, when all major units are available, we will have a resilience vessel throughout the peak summer months.
“Having a resilience vessel enables us to respond to any technical breakdowns quickly and to trial different vessels in different ports and better understand what can operate where. This allows us to make improvements to which vessels provide cover during our annual maintenance programme each winter and therefore improve the quality of service we offer island communities.”
MV Alfred will remain on Troon-Brodick, operating alongside MV Caledonian Isles between Ardrossan-Brodick.
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