Ullapool-Stornoway ferry disruption to continue into May after repairs of MV Loch Seaforth slip back, CalMac confirms

CALMAC'S MV Loch Seaforth will not return to service on the Ullapool-Stornoway route until early May at the earliest – after its repairs took longer than expected.

The ferry has been off the route since the middle of the month after suffering an engine failure, and CalMac had been suggesting it would be out of action until "at least the end of April".

But that date has now slipped to "at least May 4", according to the latest update on CalMac's website.

"It is expected that MV Loch Seaforth will be out of service until at least May 4, to allow specialist engineers to work on her engines," said a spokesman. "This date is subject to change and we will continue to keep our customers updated throughout.

"If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMacUpdates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available. Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates."

The MV Isle of Lewis has been drafted in to cover its old route while the MV Loch Seaforth is out of action, with fellow vessel the MV Isle of Arran running the night-time freight service.

Related news: Engine failure sparks removal of MV Loch Seaforth from CalMac's Ullapool-Stornoway service 'until at least the end of April'

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