Six CalMac ferries remain out of service as journeys resume with reduced capacity

Three CalMac ferries are returning to service as the operator continues to work through “challenging conditions”.

The latest update leaves four major and two small vessels out of action.

MV Loch Seaforth on the Ullapool to Stornoway route is due to operate again from Tuesday afternoon following a partial repair to a component on the clamshell bow door.

However, the vessel will operate single-ended with a reduced capacity of 25 cars per sailing until a full repair is completed.

CalMac warned that the ferry is also subject to weather restrictions on operating in winds of up to 30 knots or wave heights of up to three metres.

Scotland

Glen Sannox redeployed after another CalMac ferry is taken out of service

The ferry was sent north after the Loch Seaforth suffered a damaged bow door component

Meanwhile, MV Glen Sannox has been redeployed to provide support for at least the remainder of this week and will pick up a service from Wednesday.

MV Loch Frisa has completed an overhaul and will return to the Oban to Craignure service from Wednesday, restoring a two-vessel service alongside MV Coruisk.

MV Loch Bhrusda has also had repairs carried out and is transiting to the Sound of Harris to resume service from Wednesday.

CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: “Welcoming one major vessel and two small vessels back into service is a welcome step in the right direction as we work through a challenging set of circumstances.

“There’s still disruption on a number of routes, but MV Hebrides is on track to return from planned maintenance this weekend, and that will unlock a cascade of major vessels that should improve service provision to multiple islands.

“We’re working through that at pace and will publish plans later this week.”