CalMac warns that further repairs to MV Loch Seaforth mean ferry will not return to Ullapool-Stornoway route before May 28

FRUSTRATED CalMac chiefs have been left with egg on their face after repairs to the Ullapool ferry slipped yet again – just 24 hours after an update suggesting they were nearly complete.

CalMac has warned passengers that the MV Loch Seaforth will not return to operations on the Stornoway-Ullapool service until May 28 at the earliest, a full week later than yesterday's projection.

During Thursday's update CalMac had said the vessel was expected to take to the water for sea trials as early as May 17, with a view to returning to the route from May 21 at the earliest.

But the ongoing repairs have now revealed "further issues" which it will need to fix before the ship will be ready. According to specialist engineers, further work is needed on her engines as well as the crankshaft.

CalMac managing director, Robbie Drummond, said: “This is frustrating news, as we were expecting to see the Loch Seaforth return to service sooner than this. We will continue to work closely with customers to keep them updated of the latest situation and to minimise further disruption.”

The ferry operator added that a further update confirming the new dates will be issued on Monday, following assessment by independent engineers over the weekend.

In the meantime, existing replacement ferries and timetables will remain in effect on the route.

Related news: CalMac eyes up new May 21 return date for broken down ferry MV Loch Seaforth, after repair day slips

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