CalMac announces temporary changes to summer timetable

With several major vessels unavailable at the start of the summer timetable, CalMac has announced temporary changes to services.

MV Loch Frisa, MV Alfred, and MV Hebrides are currently undergoing legally required annual overhaul and are not due back until April, while MV Isle of Lewis is undergoing extended overhaul due to steel renewal work until the end of May.

Vessels will be moved around the network from the start of the summer timetable on Friday 27 March until Thursday 16 April so that services continue to be delivered.

During this period, Arran will be served by MV Caledonian Isles and MV Glen Sannox – when MV Alfred is expected to return on 6 April, the Glen Sannox may be released to undertake berthing trials on the Little Minch routes.

MV Lord of the Isles will serve Coll, Tiree and Colonsay, MV Clansman will be on the Little Minch, and MV Isle of Mull will operate a combined service to Barra and South Uist.

On Mull, a combination of MV Isle of Arran, MV Coruisk, and MV Loch Frisa will operate on different dates.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “We are managing services against a backdrop of several major vessels being unavailable and we recognise the frustration that disruption causes customers and local communities.

“These amended timetables will help to ease the pressure and give customers some certainty over the Easter break that services will continue to be delivered. We are grateful for everyone’s patience and support as we work through this time of pressure.”