CalMac advises passengers to expect longer sailing times on Ullapool to Stornoway route after MV Loch Seaforth removed from service for maintenance

PASSENGERS looking to travel between Wester Ross and the Outer Hebrides by ferry have been warned to expect longer than normal sailing times for the next three weeks.

The lengthier crossings come after the MV Loch Seaforth was taken off the Ullapool-Stornoway route for winter maintenance and inspections.

The ferry is now in dry dock and is expected to remain there for another two to three weeks while the routine checks and work takes place.

In the meantime the route will be covered by two of CalMac’s other vessels.

The MV Isle of Lewis, which usually serves Barra, will act as a temporary replacement during daytime sailings, while the MV Hebridean Isles will handle night-time freight between the mainland and Lewis.

CalMac has warned passengers that their journey times will be slower, as the vessels have slower top speeds than the more modern MV Loch Seaforth. For travel updates on the route, visit Caledonian MacBrayne’s website at www.calmac.co.uk

The winter maintenance comes a week after CalMac’s parent body, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), bought the £42m vessel. The ship, which carries up to 700 passengers and 143 cars, was previously financed through a lease deal with the Lloyds Banking Group.

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