Troubled new Ullapool ferry on course, says minister
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THE troubled MV Loch Seaforth is on course to enter service on the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry route by the end of the month, according to Transport Minister Derek Mackay.
During a visit to Stornoway today (Monday), Mr Mackay chaired the second meeting of the Stornoway Ullapool Ferry Project Task Force and also met local stakeholders.
Stornoway Port Authority says harbour works to accommodate the MV Loch Seaforth will be completed tomorrow.
This will allow the vessel to begin berthing trials with a view to being deployed on the route by the end of February.
Mr Mackay said there was also further progress on planned improvement works at Ullapool in April.
Ullapool Harbour Trust says it will be able to bring the time of the works down from five weeks to four weeks, reducing disruption to the ferry service.
Mr Mackay said: "I’m very pleased that we are making real progress with this project and all the members of the task force are working together to bring the MV Loch Seaforth into service as soon as possible.
"The completion of harbour works at Stornoway is a major milestone. It will allow CalMac to get berthing trials underway and working towards having the new vessel operating on the route by the end of the month, or sooner if possible.
"I’m also delighted to hear that Ullapool Harbour Trust will be able to reduce the length of time needed to replace their linkspan, further reducing disruption to ferry users."
The new £42million boat had been due to start plying the route at the end of last year.
But delays with harbour upgarding works at Stornoway in turn held up linkspan improvements at Ullapool.
This meant that there would be no vehicle service between Ullapool and Stornoway during the busy Easter period, and cars would have to get to Lewis through the ferry port at Uig on Skye.
Criticism was also levelled at the new ferry after it was revealed that it had no dedicated bar and passengers could only buy a drink in the cafe.
In addition, there was doubt in October whether the ferry would be delivered after the German yard building the vessel got into financial difficulties and had to sell out to the Norwegians.
Mr Mackay said: "My visit to Stornoway also gave me a chance to engage with some of the local stakeholders face-to-face.
"We have listened to their concerns and I have committed Transport Scotland to produce a transport integration plan for the four weeks when the ferry will operate a passenger only service.
"I have agreed to look at fares on the temporary service that will operate between Uig and Stornoway during that four-week period.
"We have also agreed to look at running extra sailings with the Isle of Lewis to supplement the service provided by the Loch Seaforth during peak periods in the summer."
