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| July 2009 news 26/07/09.
Islanders throughout the west coast were angry with Caledonian MacBrayne when the ferry company was forced to shuffle its fleet after experiencing one breakdown after another this week.
‘Sunday ferry’ protesters were claiming an ‘act of God’ as a second CalMac ferry ground to a halt with mechanical problems.
Islay residents have again expressed their anger at having to give up their ‘relief’ ferry ISLE OF ARRAN, which can be pulled from service at a moment’s notice.
As CalMac reshuffled its available vessels, the island also lost HEBRIDEAN ISLES to other routes.
Paul Graham, chairman of the Islay and Jura Tourism and Marketing Group, said: ‘This is the second time this has happened this summer and we are all very bitter about it.
‘Every time this happens it damages the island’s reputation as a tourist destination. Eventually people will stop booking the ferry because they can’t be sure it will run and as a result the other ferry is overbooked. The whole thing is shambolic.’
The tourism and marketing group has raised the island’s concerns with Argyll and Bute MSP Jim Mather. LORD OF THE ISLES, which services Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist, had a flooded main passenger deck after a faulty fire hydrant discharged.
A CalMac spokesman said: ‘A main water pipe fractured outside the cafeteria entrance on the main passenger deck.
‘The whole area was flooded and although the ship’s crew worked hard to disperse the water it had affected all internal areas and caused considerable damage to carpets and furnishings.
‘Work is well underway to repair the damage to the deck and the electrical system but could take several days to complete. The vessel was replaced by ISLE OF MULL.
‘It is regretted that one of the knock on effects is the continued disruption to the Islay service.
‘It was returning to normal after the challenges of the weekend associated with the un-serviceability of ISLEOFLEWIS on the Stornoway - Ullapool route.’ On Sunday, a sailing to Stornoway went ahead despite protests from Christians who want to keep the Sabbath holy. Observers thought they had a last minute reprieve from the Sunday sailing when a weekend engine fault halted ISLE OF LEWIS. and the smaller ISLE OF ARRAN was sent north.
A member of the Lords Day Observance Society said: ‘There are no co-incidences with God. This is a clear sign that this is an act of God. Two ferries in two days shows that something is wrong. I would want CalMac to rethink their decision.’
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday, 23rd July.
Twenty-six members of the West Highland Steamer Club enjoyed a Coach-Cruise yesterday courtesy of Club member and bus enthusiast, Lawrence Macduff.
Lawrence is the owner of a preserved AEC David MacBrayne’s bus.
A full account of the day will be posted on the Other Activities page on this website in due course.
Duncan Wilson.
22/07/09.
Caledonian MacBrayne has defended its response to the holiday chaos caused by the break-down of ISLE OF LEWIS on Friday.
A damaged exhaust valve put the Lewis to Ullapool ferry out of action at the zenith of the busy summer holiday period. Unfortunately, no spare part was apparently carried onboard.
Many hundreds of passengers worried where they would spend the night as they had checked out of their accommodation and their bed spaces were taken up by the crowds attending the Hebridean Celtic Festival.
Some unhappy travellers slammed Cal Mac for not requesting the use of the ferry terminal building to allow bed-less people somewhere to rest and sleep overnight.
Even hours after the ship broke down it was unconfirmed where would-be passengers would stay that night. Some like cyclists Armorel Young and Margaret Willmot were told by Cal Mac that they had to shift out of the terminal building.
Ms Young snatched some sleep in the ferry terminal but said Cal Mac was going to “chuck us out of here.”
Later on Friday evening Cal Mac told the women and others that they could sleep on the laid-up ferry,
but hundreds of other passengers were not given that option. Earlier, they were sent to Tarbert to catch HEBRIDES which took the disrupted travellers to the north of Skye. Her crew worked extra hours, well into Friday, to clear the massive backlog of traffic from Stornoway as well as her own fully booked route between Lochmaddy, Harris and Skye. Buses were laid on to take people to Inverness.
A Cal Mac spokesman said that in the event some eighteen people bedded down on ISLE OF LEWIS.
He said the ferry firm explored different solutions and liaised with different people over the break down chaos including building owner Stornoway Port Authority which rents space to Cal Mac.
But there was not much need to seek permission to keep the building open as passengers were allowed to sleep on the boat he said.
John Maclennan, chief executive of the port authority said the harbour board would have been only to happy to let passengers shelter in the building overnight and would have readily granted permission if Cal Mac had asked.
He pointed out:: “No request was made by CalMac Ferries Ltd for the extended opening of the ferry terminal building on the Friday night”.
CalMac Ferries did enquire of the port authority whether the terminal building could remain open for the accommodation of their passengers on the Saturday night.
“This request was granted provided Cal Mac ferries office was manned and their staff on duty to deal with their passengers.
“In the event ISLE OFLEWIS departed Stornoway at 22:00hrs on the Saturday night. Therefore the agreed use of the terminal building was not required.
Meanwhile, some have wondered why MUIRNEAG lay idle at the quayside on Saturday while the Stornoway ferry traffic was held up by the smaller ISLE OF ARRAN which was drafted in to clear the weekend backlog.
MUIRNEAG can carry a significant number of cars on her decks. She is charted for freight and can only carry a maximum of twelve passengers.
But it was suggested that she could shift all the stranded cars across the Minch in conjunction with ISLE OF ARRAN. All passengers could have been transported by ISLE OF ARRAN and pick up their vehicles in Ullapool.
Cal Mac confirm they looked at this possibility on Friday but it could have created logistical problem as the ferries would have arrived at different times compounded by the parking difficulties and tight roadside space in Ullapool.
Source: Hebrides News. www.hebridesnews.co.uk
Link to The Herald.
Islanders on Islay are complaining that for the second time within a week they are having to endure a reduced ferry service at one of the busiest times of the year.
Service goes ahead despite opposition.
Due to technical problems some of the timetabled sailing times have been altered on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd .
Wednesday 22nd :
Depart Kennacraig 07.00, 13.00, 18.00. Depart Port Ellen 09.45. Depart Port Askaig 15.30.
The following sailings will operate on the Oban-Colonsay-Port Askaig route on Wednesday:
Depart Oban for Colonsay 15.30, Depart Colonsay for Port Askaig 18.00, Depart Port Askaig for Colonsay 19.15, Depart Colonsay for Oban 20.30.
Thursday 23rd :
Depart Kennacraig 07.00, 13.00, 18.00. Depart Port Ellen 04.15, 09.45. Depart Port Askaig 15.30, 18.00.
The scheduled 18.00 sailing from Islay on Thursday will operate from Port Askaig not Port Ellen.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
20/07/09.
Further disruptions to the Caledonian MacBrayne network today.
CLANSMAN left Oban bound for Castlebay nearly two hours late. She is due to arrive at 22.20
A revised timetable operated to Coll and Tiree as follows: Depart Oban 20.00, Arrive Coll 22.55, Depart Coll 23.05, Arrive Tiree 00.05, Depart Tiree 00.25, Arrive Oban 04.00.
The vessel departed from Oban at 20.20 bound for Coll and Tiree.
Today’s sailing for Colonsay departed from Kennacraig. Tomorrow’s sailing from Colonsay has been rescheduled to this evening. Sailing times were as follows: Depart Kennacraig 18.00, Arrive Colonsay 21.15, Depart Colonsay 21.30, Arrive Oban 00.00.
The service from Kennacraig to Islay will be reduced over the next couple of days.
The timetable operating on Tuesday 21st will be as follows:
Depart Kennacraig 07.00, 13.00, 18.00. Depart Port Ellen 09.45 , 20.30. Depart Port Askaig 15.30.
Wednesday 22nd :
Depart Kennacraig 07.00, 13.00 , 18.00. Depart Port Ellen 09.45. Depart Port Askaig 15.30.
Also on Wednesday the scheduled sailing times on the Colonsay service have been altered.
The following sailings will now operate: Depart Oban for Colonsay 15.30, Depart Colonsay for Port Askaig 18.00, Depart Port Askaig for Colonsay 19.15, Depart Colonsay for Oban 20.30.
Adverse weather conditions disrupted the Mallaig-Armadale service.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
A psalm of protest from opponents and applause from supporters heralded yesterday afternoon’s sailing of the first scheduled Sabbath ferry from Lewis in the Western Isles to the mainland.
The vessel, ISLE OF LEWIS, was full, with 391 passengers and 84 cars and commercial vehicles, as she made the historic run from Stornoway. A group of about 25 protesters, mostly from the Free Church Continuing, stood in silent condemnation as passengers, many of them revellers from the weekend Hebridean Celtic music festival, filed on board. One man held a placard bearing the words “Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy”. As the boat backed away from Stornoway ferry terminal into the bay, a large group of Sunday-sailing supporters burst into applause and the protesters responded with a psalm. While the protest group watched the boat sail into the distance, a party atmosphere developed on board, with homeward-bound festival musicians holding an impromptu ceilidh in the bar. Protester Calum Smith, of Stuartfield, Stornoway, said: “We are not able to stop it. The Lord is able to stop it. The Lord Jesus Christ is supreme and sovereign with dominion over all of us.” A statement read: “We are a group of local Christians who care deeply about our island. We are here to testify that to run this ferry service on the Lord’s Day is against the Fourth Commandment, and so is displeasing to the living and true God.” The managing director of ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne was on board for the trip. Philip Preston said: “The Sunday ferry between Stornoway and Ullapool is here for keeps now. “I am delighted. It is just normal business for us and I just want things to pass off smoothly. We are just responding to demand and the requirements of the equality laws.” Two uniformed police officers were on board the ferry, because of the special occasion and because it was expected that the boat would be busy with festivalgoers heading home. Other officers drafted on to Lewis for the festival were able to return yesterday, saving the taxpayer the cost of another overnight stay in the Western Isles. Members of the Lord Day’s Observation Society (LDOS) are furious at the CalMac decision to break the sanctity of Sunday, as they see it. But an equally staunch supporter twisted the society’s LDOS initials with a specially designed T-shirt that read: “Let’s Drink On Sundays in Ullapool now that we can.” Speaking on the ferry, former brewer Iain Turnbull, of Balmerino Drive, Stornoway, said: “I just think it is sad that a minority seem to rule by fear effectively over the rights of the majority. “I don’t believe that the Western Isles Council, by opposing Sunday sailings, are taking the objective view. “Well done, CalMac. This town is dying on its feet and we need every bit of help that we can get. “I don’t believe a Sunday ferry is going to affect people’s ability to go to church. “It will enable people who want to go away for the weekend to do so.” Also on board for the trip was Gaelic writer Finlay Macleod, of Shawbost, Lewis, who said: “It is a great day for the islands. I have been waiting all my life for this moment.” CalMac said that no staff were forced to work on the Sunday, and one shore-based worker chose not to work yesterday. Crew work 14-day stints in any case, and previously would spend Sunday on other duties. There were cheers and applause from a small group of Sunday-sailing supporters when ISLE OF LEWIS docked at Ullapool last night. Source: The Press and Journal per Colin J Smith, Scotships.
19/07/09.
ISLE OF ARRAN departed from Stornoway last night at 20.45. After completing trials ISLE OF LEWIS followed her at 22.00 and returned from Ullapool at 01.30.
Source: Neil Guthrie, Scotships.
18/07/09.
The following service will operate from Kennacraig to Islay on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th as ISLE OF ARRAN is away to Stornoway.
Sunday 19th. Depart Kennacraig 07.00. Depart Port Ellen 09.45. Depart Kennacraig 13.00. Depart Port Askaig 15.30. Depart Kennacraig 18.00.
Monday 20th. Depart Port Ellen 04.15. Depart Kennacraig 07.00. Depart Port Ellen 09.45. Depart Kennacraig 13.00. Depart Port Askaig 15.30. Depart Kennacraig 18.00. Depart Port Askaig 20.15.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Caledonian MacBrayne will break with decades of convention on Sunday when it runs the first ever Sabbath ferry between Lewis and the mainland.
Visitors to the Hebridean Celtic Festival, which ends its four-day run on Saturday, will be among the passengers on the 14.30 saling from Stornoway to Ullapool.
The move is sure to infuriate traditionalists such as the Lord’s Day Observance Society, but will delight business interests and many younger people keen to see Lewis and Harris move with the times.
Local radio station Isles FM ran a poll on the issue from June 21st until Tuesday’s announcement. Almost 4,000 people, over 70%, said, “yes” to Sunday sailings to 1,667 against.
Western Isles Council opposed the move to reflect the customs and traditions of Lewis and Harris, a position CalMac did not challenge until lawyers told the company it could be in breach of the Equality Act 2006 in denying Sunday travel to those who wanted it.
CalMac chairman, Peter Timms said one return trip a day would minimise impacts on the island’s culture, while providing economic and social benefits.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 16th July.
A new study paving the way for the next generation of small ferries could cut the cost of new boats and improve transport links for islands off the west coast of Scotland.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) is working with Government departments in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic on a plan for a new fleet specifically to meet the needs of small island communities.
The £230,000 study will look at ferries serving Lismore, Gigha, Kilchoan, Raasay and Portavadie as well as Rathlin off the north coast of Ireland and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
Andrew Flockhart of CMAL said working with partners in Ireland and Northern Ireland could cut the cost of designing and buying new boats, and all the routes included have craft, which will soon need replacing.
The 18-month Small Ferries Project has been funded by the European Union’s inter-regional programme, in which Scotland is eligible to take part for the first time.
The study will take a long-term view of ferry demand over the next twenty-five years by looking at common needs rather than making recommendations on specific routes. Mr Flockhart said this approach would make it easier to adapt to new technology, making ferries and ports more environmentally friendly.
The project started in March and will run through to August next year. The team behind the research plan to visit communities affected in the coming months to ensure that they are kept informed.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 16th.
Link to The Herald.
Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferry network will be stretched to breaking point today after the vessel due to launch a controversial sailing to Lewis was unable to complete her Friday schedule.
Due to technical problems with ISLE OF LEWIS, ISLE OF ARRAN has been called upon to assist on the Stornoway route. This means that the service between Kennacraig and Islay will be operating with one vessel only, from Saturday 18th , until further notice.The revised timetable for Kennacraig/Islay will be as follows:
Kennacraig/Islay Saturday 18th. Depart Kennacraig to Port Ellen – 07.00. Depart Port Ellen to Kennacraig – 09.45. Depart Kennacraig to Port Askaig – 13.00. Depart Port Askaig to Kennacraig – 15.30. Depart Kennacraig to Port Ellen – 18.00. Depart Port Ellen to Kennacraig – 20.30.
There will also be additional sailings by LORD OF THE ISLES from Oban to Port Askaig and Port Askaig to Oban, again all times being indicative.
Oban/Islay (Port Askaig) Saturday 18th. Depart Oban to Port Askaig – 19.00. Depart Port Askaig to Oban – 22.35.
Sailings on the Stornoway - Ullapool route were cancelled due to technical problems with ISLE OF LEWIS on Friday.
The following revised timetable for Saturday 18th will operate:
Depart Stornoway 11.30. Arrive Ullapool 15.00. Depart Ullapool 15.30. Arrive Stornoway 19.00.
Depart Stornoway 19.30. Arrive Ullapool 23.00. Depart Ullapool 23.30 Arrive Stornoway 03.00, Sunday morning.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Three Sunday sailings into Lewis? 17/7/09.
The first controversial Sunday sailings into Lewis will now take place in the middle of the night. ISLE OF ARRAN will depart Ullapool fully loaded with cars and passengers to slip into Stornoway at 3am on Sunday morning marking Caledonian MacBrayne’s first day of Sabbath-breaking voyages. It is possible that she may undertake a further return trip before the official scheduled launch of contentious Sunday sailings - potentially racking up three controversial runs on the high profile date. But the ship is not trying to sneak under the radar to avoid any potential protest. The early hours crossing has been forced on Cal Mac after the schedule vessel ISLE OF LEWIS broke down today (Fri). Caledonian Macbrayne has spilt the island community by breaking its Sabbath observance tradition claiming a top human rights' solicitor advised it was illegal not to operate a seven-day service. Cal Mac was left with crowds of disgruntled passengers and without a ship on its busiest day of the year. About 400 vehicles were left stranded on both sides of the Minch when all Lewis sailings were cancelled. ISLE OF ARRAN has been summoned from Islay but she will not arrive until late morning on Saturday. She can only carry about half the vehicles to ISLE OF LEWIS and takes forty-five minutes longer to complete the sixty-mile voyage. It means that the holiday chaos will last about three days and the replacement ship will likely be forced to operate a fast turnaround to clear the huge number of bookings. The problem is exacerbated by the hundreds of revellers departing Lewis this weekend at the end of the busy Hebridean Celtic Festival. ISLE OF LEWIS has suffered an engine exhaust fault, which could take two days to fix. Revised timetable for Saturday: Depart Stornoway 11.30, Arrive Ullapool 15.00. Depart Ullapool 15.30, Arrive Stornoway 19.00.
Depart Stornoway 19.30, Arrive Ullapool 23.00.
Depart Ullapool 23.30, Arrive Stornoway 03.00, Sunday morning.
Source: Hebrides News per Margaret Morrison, Clydesite, Friday 17th July.
16/07/09.
Heavy traffic delayed the progress of HEBRIDES on the Uig-Tarbert route today.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
15/07/09.
Link to The Herald
The last true bastion of Scottish Sabbath observance will be breached in four days time when Caledonian MacBrayne launches the first ever Sunday service between Stornoway and Ullapool.
14/07/09.
Caledonian MacBrayne will introduce Sunday ferry services from the mainland to Stornoway on Lewis in the Western Isles, the operator has confirmed.
Opponents Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Lord's Day Observance Society have been notified of the decision.
The local authority and the society have been strongly opposed to the launch of the service.
The comhairle said it was disappointed but not surprised and will ask the Scottish Government to intervene.
The first sailing will take place on Sunday, following the Hebridean Celtic Festival, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday.
There is currently no direct ferry service across The Minch from the mainland to Lewis and Harris on a Sunday.
CalMac said the decision followed extensive consultation.
The new service will initially follow the timetable of the Saturday afternoon sailing - departing Stornoway at 1430 BST to arrive in Ullapool at 1730 BST then leaving at 1815 BST arriving back in Stornoway at 2100 BST.
Chairman Peter Timms said the company had tried to find a way to meet its legal obligations and respect local traditions.
He said: "We believe we can achieve that by operating one return trip a day, departing in the afternoon and returning late in the evening.
"This will minimise the impact on the culture and amenity of the islands, while at the same time providing economic and social benefits."
Mr Timms added: "We remain acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding Sunday sailings, but we cannot operate unlawfully nor fail to provide lifeline services when there is a growing demonstrable demand from the communities we serve."
The comhairle ruling administration said it was dismayed by the decision to sail between Stornoway and Ullapool.
Leader Angus Campbell said: "This is not a matter of surprise but it is still a disappointment.
"I am particularly unhappy that Caledonian MacBrayne have refused to meaningfully consult with the wider comhairle, nor have they provided us with the legal advice that they have based the decision upon."
In May, BBC Alba learned that state-owned CalMac viewed Sunday sailings to and from the mainland as "inevitable".
At the time the ferry operator said it had been told it would be unlawful to refuse to run a service because of the religious views of just part of a community.
Pro-sailings campaigners sought advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Lord's Day Observance Society and Western Isles council leaders have previously stressed their opposition to the plans.
The comhairle said its policy was to reflect the customs and traditions of Lewis and Harris.
Source: BBC Scotland News, Tuesday 14th July.
Link to BBC Scotland News.
How the Sunday ferries saga unfolded.
Link to Caledonian MacBrayne.
13/07/09.
Transport links between Skye and Lochaber are under the spotlight after a pipe band missed its cue to open the Mallaig Fishermen’s Mission gala on Saturday morning.
The Isle of Skye Pipe Band thought their bus from Portree to Armadale Pier would connect with Caledonian MacBrayne’s 10.15am sailing to Mallaig, but arrived just in time to see the boat heading back to Lochaber.
Their 9.15am Rapson’s service was scheduled to get to Armadale at 10.21, six minutes after the ferry leaves.
Drum Major Peter MacDonald told The Oban Times the band, which CalMac sponsors, had to wait for the next ferry at 11.35am and lost 90 minutes performance time.
He said: ‘We had booked the bus in order to catch the morning ferry service. At no time were we told that the service bus would not link up with the ferry to get us across to Mallaig in time for the opening.
‘Why can’t the operators to these services sit round the table and work out a schedule that would link ferries, buses and trains?
‘The bus left Portree at 9.15am. Why can’t it leave 10 minutes earlier?
‘Some parents of band members had arrived at Armadale before the bus and they told the ferry operators we were coming, but they still would not hold the ferry back.
‘We were scheduled to play in Mallaig at 10.50am. It was very frustrating arriving there one and a half-hours late. I felt we were letting down the Mallaig Fishermen’s Mission gala organisers.
‘We were all in Portree at 8.30am, so it was an early start for our members from Staffin, Dunvegan and Uig.
‘The disappointment was more arriving at Armadale and seeing the boat sailing away only 200 yards from the pier.’
A CalMac spokesman said the band could have caught the earlier bus connection and had the ferry been held ‘serious knock on effects’ on later services would have resulted.
He said: ‘We are sorry to hear of the pipe band’s difficulties, but the simple fact is that they chose a bus service, which is not scheduled to connect with the ferry.
‘Connectivity with other modes of transport is a challenge we face across the network, and where possible we work with bus and rail companies to improve connections, however there are times when this is simply not possible.’
Stagecoach, Rapson’s parent company, were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.
Mr MacDonald added: ‘It’s a learning experience – next year we will be making private arrangements to make sure we get there in time for the ferry.’
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 9th July.
With the school summer holidays underway, Caledonian MacBrayne is warning people that fishing is not permitted from the working areas of piers.
CalMac has no wish to provoke confrontation with groups of anglers and will only call the police if reasonable requests to stop fishing, and move away from the piers, is ignored.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 9th.
Provost of Lochaber Allan Henderson is continuing to press for improved ferry services out of Mallaig following the recent ferries review meeting in the port.
The transport committee was left in no doubt of the local desire to restore the Mallaig-Lochboisdale ferry service, have a year-round service from Mallaig to Armadale, and have a better service to the Small Isles.
Knoydart would also like a publicly funded service extended to cargo.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 9th.
11/07/09.
HEBRIDES was running late due to the volume of traffic throughout today.
This evening she departed from Tarbert at 21.30 and should arrive at Uig by 23.10.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Pressure is being stepped up for improved west coast ferry services with
calls for smaller, faster vessels that could operate shuttle services to some islands. In submissions to Holyrood officials, Lochaber councillors Michael Foxley and Alan Henderson say new Caledonian MacBrayne services are vital to encourage visitors and develop coastal communities. Both are backing demands by Highland Council for a new service operating between Mallaig and Lochboisdale, which is currently subject to ongoing talks with the Western Isles Council and the South Uist Trust. Dr Foxley has suggested running a demonstration service to prove demand
among islanders. Mr Henderson said Holyrood officials had been left in no doubt as to the desire by the communities to restore the Lochboisdale service, following a meeting of the ferries review committee at Mallaig. Supporters say it now offers a shorter, faster service than the existing link with Oban, particularly with the recent completion of a £25million upgrading of the A830 to Fort William and the south. There are also calls for the Mallaig-Armadale service to operate all-year-round on extended hours and for the service, with those to the Small Isles, being included in the council's ferry core network. Both councillors say there should be a modern fast passenger service for Muck, Rum, Eigg and Canna at hours, which would suit workers. Residents on the Knoydart peninsula say they want to have a publicly funded service extended to carrying cargo. Council leader Dr Foxley is also backing a request from West Ardnamurchan Community Council for an additional winter Kilchoan-Tobermory sailing on at least two days a week to meet local business demand. In his submission, Dr Foxley says CalMac's winter schedules should start after Scottish and English half-term holidays. "This is an absolute need so ferries are still running when there are autumn visitors still in the area," he said. He also wants to see an evening ferry service for both Kilchoan-Tobermory and Lochaline-Fishnish given a trial run to gauge demand. Dr Foxley added: "Most importantly, we need to learn some lessons from the ferry services in Norway. In particular, in addition to the current fleet, we need the provision of smaller, faster vessels operating a shuttle service to our islands. "This is the best way to retain and then increase the population on our islands. It will encourage visitors to the Highlands and islands and develop our coastal communities." Source: The Press and Journal, Wednesday 8th July per Gary Andrews, Ferries of Northern Europe.
08/07/09.
The Berneray - Leverburgh (Sound of Harris) service is facing disruptions and cancellations from Thursday 23rd until Saturday 25th due to tidal conditions(LOCH PORTAIN).
The following sailings have been cancelled due to low tides:
Thursday 23rd 13.30 ex Berneray and 14.45 ex Leverburgh .
Friday 24th 13.30 ex Berneray and 14.45 ex Leverburgh .
Saturday 25th 13.30 ex Berneray and 14.45 ex Leverburgh .
For further information contact Lochmaddy Office 01876 500337(option 2) or Tarbert office 01859 502444(option2).
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Caledonian MacBrayne could consider running a contentious Sabbath-breaking ferry to Stornoway next week.
The state-owned shipping firm may brave the anger of island traditionalists to test the waters for a more permanent service against the Sabbath observance custom advocated by many islanders. CalMac is currently getting a steady heavy stream of e-mails trying to pressurise it to schedule a one-off Sunday sailing for the Hebridean Celtic Festival next week. It is understood CalMac will consider operating a return trip sailing on Sunday, July 19 after the festival ends on Saturday night. In the widespread e-mail campaign which has been doing the rounds on Lewis and further afield it is suggested that the boat would leave Stornoway at 2.30pm and leave Ullapool at 9pm." South Lochs and Harris councillor Philip McLean, who has written to Cal- Mac, said: "There will be an unprecedented number of visitors to Stornoway in the preceding week as the town is hosting the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Sail Hebrides, the Lewis Golf Week, the Lewis Highland Games and the Continental Circus Berlin. "There will not only be additional tourists at this time but with so much on offer, it is a week during which many with family connections on Lewis choose to `come home'. "For those who have to start work on a Monday it is essential that a ferry be provided on the Sunday, particularly as, I understand, the Saturday and Monday sailings are already fully booked." A CalMac spokesman said: "We are aware of the festival and its importance to the local economy and tourism industry and it is one of the factors we are taking into account as part of our consultation exercise." Ian Macrae, secretary of the local Lord's Day Observance Society, feared that CalMac would be "sneaking under the radar" if it used the festival to run a Sabbath ferry. He queried how exporting hundreds of tourists out of guesthouses early and off the island would actually help the economy. He said: "B&Bs and hotels will lose business. This seems counter-productive to the argument that a Sunday ferry would boost the island economy. "I think it would prejudice the consultation process if CalMac is thinking of running a one-off Sunday ferry at the moment." He urged a proper fair consultation and not for CalMac to bow to those who "shout the loudest". Source: The Press and Journal, Tuesday 7th July per Gary Andrews, Ferries of Northern Europe.
03/07/09.
Council leader Michael Foxley has asked for improved ferry links for Morvern and Ardnamurchan.
In a submission to the Scottish Government for its ongoing review of ferry services, Councillor Foxley says there is “an absolute need” to start the winter schedule after both the Scottish and English half term autumn holidays.
Trialling an evening ferry service for Kilchoan-Tobermory and Lochaline-Fishnish and the introduction of a Mallaig-Lochboisdale ferry service should also be considered, he said.
“CalMac starts the winter service while many visitors are still in the area. Most importantly, we need to learn lessons from the ferry services in Norway.
“In particular, in addition to the current fleet, we need the provision of smaller, faster vessels operating a shuttle service to our islands,” he said.
“This is the best way to retain and then increase the population on our islands. It will encourage visitors to the Highlands and Islands and develop our coastal communities”.
West Ardnamurchan Community Council also wants an extra daytime sailing in winter at least two days a week from Kilchoan to Tobermory, to cater for business demand.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 2nd July.
From The Oban Times Those Were The Days Column, Thursday 6th June 1989.
Ferry travellers were shocked and angry on Sunday when they discovered the linkspan ferry loader at Lochmaddy was still locked, despite sheriff principal Ronald Ireland’s ruling that the Western Isles Council can’t prohibit the service.
The linkspan has been shut on Sundays since the weekly sailings began on 21st May, making it impossible for cars to board other than by tedious side loading.
The Western Isles Council has fought a long battle against the introduction of Sunday sailings, claiming it contravenes the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 2nd.
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