Ferry breakdown scuppers plans to boost Ullapool to Stornoway service during busy summer weeks in latest blow for CalMac
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A freight ferry brought in less than week ago to help relieve pressure on CalMac's Stornoway to Ullapool route broke down at the weekend.
The MV Arrow was meant to provide capacity for additional overnight sailings over the next six weeks.
The aim was to free up space on the MV Loch Seaforth ferry during the busy summer season, allowing it to run two additional passenger sailings per week.
The Loch Seaforth underwent major repairs after suffering an engine failure in April and only returned to service on May 31.
Following the breakdown of the Arrow, CalMac's managing director, Robbie Drummond, said: "The MV Loch Seaforth will resume night freight sailings and commercial customers are being made aware of this change.
"Our customer service team will try to accommodate any customers who were booked on to the two additional weekly passenger sailings in the meantime."
Angus Campbell, chairman of CalMac's independent community board, said the ferry operator's decision to charter the Arrow had been welcomed.
But he described the breakdown as a "huge disappointment", adding that it "only adds to the total frustration with the service".
It has been reported that the MV Arrow was suffering an oil leak after fisihing rope became caught around its propellers on Friday night.
Related article: Seatruck freight vessel MV Arrow joins CalMac's Ullapool-Stornoway service
Plea to increase passenger sailings on CalMac Ullapool – Stornoway route
MV Loch Seaforth finally returns to Ullapool-Stornoway route after April breakdown
