Storm Kathleen ferry disruption on Ullapool-Stornoway route could run into start of new week, warns CalMac

Ferry crossings in the Minch will be out of action until at least Monday - and the disruption may yet continue into the start of next week after Storm Kathleen began battering the west coast.

Gale force winds of 60mph are being forecast by the Met Office, which earlier today issued a yellow warning for strong winds in western parts of the Highlands and islands.

CalMac had already been forced to suspend all crossings of the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry on Saturday bar the initial 7am departure from Lewis.

And it warned at that time that further cancellations were possible.

These were confirmed in an update on Saturday afternoon, with the 8am and 3pm departures from Stornoway on Sunday, and 11.30am and 6.30pm sailings from Ullapool cancelled.

At the time of this latest update, CalMac was also warning passengers that high winds lingering into Monday also posed a potential cancellation risl to the 7am sailing from Stornoway on Monday, and urged people to check for updates before travelling.

“We’ll keep customers informed should there be any further changes in connection to this route,” said a CalMac spokesperson. “If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMac_Updates 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 disruption comes amid flood alerts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for a wide array of locations - including Wester Ross, Sutherland and Caithness.

The alerts have been issued in response to concerns over coastal flooding risks due to the gales and high tides.

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