CalMac defends itself from Ullapool cancelled sailings criticism as FoI reveals extent of issue

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has defended itself against criticism that its ships are not up to setting sail in heavy weather by saying that safety is the “number one consideration.”

That is after Highland MSP Rhoda Grant questioned the amount of money invested in the MV Seaforth that ploughs the waves between Ullapool and Stornoway.

An FOI request revealed that a total of 68 sailings had been cancelled due to weather of weather between July and December of last year.

Mrs Grant said: "After such a huge investment having being spent on this vessel, I am somewhat concerned to learn that 68 sailings were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

“Yes, I appreciate that this is a call that the master or captain of the vessel will make, taking cognisance of all other surrounding factors, but this number seems to me to be particularly high for a new vessel over a six month period and makes me wonder if the vessel is actually fit for purpose.

"Of course they get pretty severe weather out in the Minch, but is it so bad that so many sailings have to be cancelled? I would have thought that these factors would have been considered when they designed the build.”

However, CalMac hit back saying weather cancellations only account for 0.48 per cent of total sailings.

A spokesman for the ferry company said: “While weather cancellations are frustrating for everyone, the safety of passengers and crew has to be the number one consideration.

“It is entirely at the discretion of the ship’s master whether or not to sail based on factors such as sea swell, wind speed and direction and their experience of sailing in the unpredictable waters of the west coast.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.