CalMac ferry disruption expected with reduced winter timetable as vessel repairs continue

More disruption is expected for Scots islanders as CalMac published a revised and reduced winter timetable as the return of one of its largest vessels is delayed for additional repairs.

Following the announcement that MV Caledonian Isles is expected to be out of service until the end of March, the ferry operator has reduced sailings and capacity across its network. Sailings between Troon and Brodick will be suspended for a week in February and there is a risk of cancellations on the Oban-Colonsay route in February and March on the revised timetable.

Alongside this, there will also be a reduced capacity on the Ardrossan-Brodick and Oban-Craignure routes, and reduced services to Lochboisdale on South Uist and Tarbert on Harris.

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Following “feedback” from islanders and businesses, the revised timetable includes an extension of the Claonaig-Lochranza service on Arran, and a weekly return direct to Lochboisdale from Oban, according to CalMac.

It was also confirmed all Monday that sailings to Colonsay in December and January will operate, with those at risk in February and March due to be reviewed later.

A CalMac spokesperson said: “Whilst this is a challenging period, our revised deployment plan reflects our efforts to take on board the wide range of feedback we received from islanders and businesses and should allow us to maintain lifeline services and meet demand across all routes on the network.

“All islands will maintain a direct service under this plan, and we are committed to supporting local communities throughout this period of disruption.”

After undergoing standard maintenance, the MV Caledonian Isles, which typically travels the Arran route, was scheduled to resume operations in November. However, due to the requirement to replace or repair the vessel's stern tube bearings and the discovery of deformed steel in two spots, this was postponed earlier this month.

During the winter, eight of the company's other major vessels will also be undergoing yearly maintenance, which will cause them to be out of commission for a number of weeks from November to May.

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