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Caledonian MacBrayne's MV Hebrides set to return to service after berthing incident hull damage which triggered further 'serious disruption' to lifeline ferry network


By Hector MacKenzie

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MV Hebrides.
MV Hebrides.

Repairs to MV Hebrides have been completed successfully and she will return to normal service tomorrow morning, ending a period of "serious disruption" to the CalMac network.

The vessel was taken to Greenock on Friday after sustaining damage to her hull during berthing.

She is expected to leave the James Watt dock in Greenock this afternoon and will resume sailings out of Uig from 9.30am today.

The vessels that had been redeployed to cover the repair work will now return to their designated routes as soon as possible. This includes the return of a two-vessel service on the Ardrossan-Brodick route from Tuesday, and the reinstatement of the Ardrossan-Campbeltown service.

It is necessary to return MV Hebridean Isles to the Islay route so that a full service can be reinstated on the Ardrossan-Brodick route.

The hull damage which needed repair.
The hull damage which needed repair.

Any passengers with bookings who were affected by the withdrawal of MV Hebrides will be contacted to advise that sailings will be reinstated. Bookings will reopen from Monday afternoon.

MV Lord of the Isles remains in dock and repairs to her drenching system are progressing well.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “This was a significant disruption for our communities, and we sincerely apologise for this at what was already a very difficult time for them. We are extremely grateful for their support and understanding as we dealt with the loss of two vessels.

“Our port teams continue to work closely with customers to ensure that their travel plans are accommodated over the coming days.”

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