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| October 2008 news 29/10/08.
The 18.00 departure from Kennacraig to Port Ellen has been diverted to Port Askaig due to the weather. Tomorrow’s 07.00 sailing from Port Ellen will leave from Port Askaig.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
A firm of consultants has been commissioned to investigate transport
needs for the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry route. MVA Consultancy will deliver a Stag appraisal for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) on the run currently serviced by the vehicle and passenger ferry MV Isle of Lewis and the MV Muirneag, which is a freight-only service, both operated by CalMac Ferries. Stag involves the appraisal of generated options, which could potentially address identified problems and opportunities against a range of criteria, including value for money. CMAL, a publicly-owned company with Scottish ministers as the sole shareholder, owns property at piers and harbours at more than 21 locations throughout Scotland, and is embarking on a programme of investment and improvements which will create better facilities and more opportunities for additional ferry services. The MV Isle of Lewis offers a twice-daily return service on the route, and the MV Muirneag provides an overnight freight service. However, the MV Muirneag is due to be decommissioned after 2013 due to her age and increasing maintenance costs. Following the development of a detailed project plan, CMAL and MVA will consult with the Scottish Government, local authorities and local communities to develop potential options for the route. The appraisal will also give specific consideration to the Scottish Government's objectives for the environment, safety, economy, integration and accessibility. It is expected that the study will be completed by March 2009. MVA project director Paul McCartney said: "Ferry services to the Western Isles play an important role in maintaining and improving the economic and social well- being of the local communities. "MVA is pleased to be involved in an important study, which will make a positive contribution to the future prosperity of the islands." CMAL director of vessels Andrew Duncan added: "CMAL is very pleased to be working with MVA consultancy on this interesting and important appraisal. "The link between Stornoway and Ullapool is one of the principal transport routes between the Scottish mainland and the Outer Hebrides and it is essential that stakeholders and the Scottish Government are fully consulted on the possible options and recommendations for this route." Source: Gary Andrews (Press and Journal/Ferries of Northern Europe).
26/10/08.
As expected the high winds hit the Western Isles with a vengeance on Thursday 23rd affecting every route to some degree.
Services on the following routes were cancelled for the day:
Tobermory-Kilchoan (LOCH LINNHE).
Ardmhor-Eriskay (LOCH ALAINN).
Fionnphort-Iona (LOCH BUIE).
Berneray-Leverburgh (LOCH PORTAIN)
Mallaig-Small Isles (LOCH BHRUSDA/ULLIN OF STAFFA).
Ullapool-Stornoway Freight Service (MUIRNEAG).
CLANSMAN left Oban at 13.00 with the very much-delayed 06.45 sailing to Coll and Tiree. The afternoon sailing to Castlebay and Lochboisdale was cancelled.
LOCH RANZA managed to keep going until 16.00 on the Gigha service.
HEBRIDEAN ISLES and ISLE OF ARRAN sailed from Kennacraig and Port Askaig at 13.00.
ISLE OF LEWIS was stormbound at Stornoway.
CORUISK missed the 08.40 from Mallaig and the 09.35 return from Armadale.
LOCH STRIVEN faced disruptions on the Sconser-Raasay route.
EIGG kept going until the 17.00 service to Lismore.
There was a brief respite on Friday 24th. Nevertheless a number of services succumbed to the elements.
LOCH ALAINN managed a round trip from Ardmhor to Eriskay.
CLANSMAN sailed from Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale and back.
LOCH RANZA commenced sailings at 11.00 on the Gigha route. She was sailing as per timetable by 13.00.
ISLE OF ARRAN and HEBRIDEAN ISLES sailed to and from Port Askaig instead of Port Ellen.
The afternoon sailing on the Sound of Harris route by LOCH PORTAIN was cancelled.
The freight run by MUIRNEAG was cancelled.
On the overhaul front LOCHNEVIS and SATURN emerged from dry-dock on Friday and tied up in the James Watt Dock. LOCHNEVIS is due back at Mallaig round about Friday 31st. LOCH BHRUSDA will then sail to the Sound of Barra to relieve LOCH ALAINN.
On Saturday the network, again, took a battering.
LOCH LINNHE did not sail between Tobermory and Kilchoan in the morning.
LOCH ALAINN did not sail either, but a review took place at 16.00.
CLANSMAN sailed for Coll and Tiree at 14.00 with no second call at Coll.
LOCH RANZA did not sail in the morning.
HEBRIDES late with the 09.40 from Uig to Lochmaddy departing at 10.30 and sailed via Tarbert. The 15.10 from Uig to Tarbert sailed two hours late.
ISLE OF LEWIS did not sail from Stornoway but the situation was reviewed at 11.00 regarding the 13.45 to Ullapool and back.
LOCH BUIE, LOCH FYNE and EIGG were all stormbound. There were no sailings on the Small Isles and sound of Harris routes.
On Sunday most services had returned to normal apart from the 18.00 sailing from Kennacraig, which sailed to Port Askaig instead of Port Ellen. The 07.00 on Monday morning sailed from Port Askaig.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne/Ships of CalMac.
22/10/08.
A quiet day for Caledonian Macbrayne although ISLE OF LEWIS ran a bit late on the Stornoway route and the freight service (MUIRNEAG) is cancelled tonight. The 18.00 sailing from Kennacraig sailed to Port Askaig instead of Port Ellen.
Heavy rain and gale force winds are forecast for tomorrow.
Source: Ships of CalMac/Caledonian MacBrayne.
For years, Scotland’s island communities have gazed enviously across the North Sea at the “fjord formula”, Norway’s system of ferry pricing, which is based on the cost of making a journey of the same length by road.
If only the same kind of system could be adopted here , they said, then our islands would be able to realise their true potential with the lifting of the crippling cost of transport.
Well now they can. In some areas at least.
Since Sunday the Scottish Government’s Road Equivalent Tarrif (RET) pilot project has been operating in the Outer Isles and the Argyll islands of Tiree and Coll bringing fare reductions of 40% on their lifeline services to the mainland.
It means a single fare on the Ullapool-Stornoway route , which cost £59.00 this time last year, will now cost £36.35, while the driver’s single fare drops from £12.45 to £7.25.
Taking a car from Oban to Barra, £68.00 last year, will now cost £48.50 , while the driver’s ticket drops from £16.70 to 10.95.There will be similar reductions on the other RET routes.
The new fares include a core cost plus an RET rate. For example foot passengers pay a core rate of £2.00 plus an RET rate of 10p per mile.
Meanwhile cars pay a core rate of £5.00 plus an RET rate of 60p per mile.The £17million project will run until spring 2011. Then it will be fully assessed to see if it is indeed the panacea to the islands’ economic problems as many have claimed.
Of course as a pilot scheme , it means that for every island route that benefits, there is another which does not. At Oban Pier yesterday those who arrived in the morning from South Uist enjoyed the cheaper fares.Those who left Oban for Mull still paid the old fares. A lot of islanders on Mull are not happy about this saying that it is a disgrace.
The Hebridean communities not included in the RET project are feeling hard done by , not least on the islands of Islay, Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Jura and Gigha.
Mull councillor Mary-Jean Devon believes that ministers missed a real opportunity by not including the likes of Colonsay in the trial. The ferry from Oban only makes the 2hrs 20mins journey three times a week in the winter.
“ Colonsay has a population of just 120 people but it costs more than £60.00 for a single ticket for a car and driver on the ferrry, which doesn’t even call every day,” she said.
“It costs even more in the summer.Colonsay badly needs regeneration and would have been the ideal island for the RET trial. It is the end of the line. We are having a meeting in Oban on Friday to finalise our case to minsters for a review of the ferry fares and a 40% discount card.”
For many ferry passengers, trips in and out of the mainland are essential for business purposes and the cost of ferrying can be high. Regular ferry users from Oban said that any effort to bring down the cost of ferrying was welcome.
The routes included in the RET scheme are Ullapool-Stornoway (Lewis), Uig-Tarbert(Harris), Uig-Lochmaddy(North Uist), Oban-Lochboisdale(South Uist), Oban-Castlebay(Barra), Oban-Arinagour(Coll), Oban-Scarinish(Tiree).
Source: The Herald, Tuesday 21st .
21/10/08.
The weather calmed down round about mid-day yesterday allowing most ferry services to run as per timetable.
The13.50 sailing from Tarbert to Uig was delayed today due to the stormy weather conditions and an earlier delay. Eta at Uig is 15.50.
The 18.00hrs sailing from Kennacraig tonight will operate to Port Askaig instead of Port Ellen. The 17.00hrs sailing from Port Ellen today and the 07.00hrs sailing tomorrow also from Port Ellen will depart from Port Askaig and not Port Ellen as timetabled.
All other services in the Caledonian MacBrayne network appear to be running normally as at 15.20.
High winds are expected to return on Thursday
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
The cruise ship HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS will be calling at the following ports and islands among the Western Isles during November.
Oban 7th and 14th 08.00-19.00.Rum 1st, Plockton 2nd, Gairloch 3rd and 9th , Kyle of Lochalsh 4th, Salen 5th, Craignure and Lismore 6th, Shieldaig 8th, Ullapool 10th, Portree 11th, Eigg 12th, Tobermory 13th.
Source: Ships Monthly. www.shipsmonthly.com
A pilot scheme cutting ferry fares on routes to and from the Western Isles began yesterday.
The pilot is being used by the Scottish Government to consider how the present ferry fares system can be improved by introducing a fairer Road Equivalent Tarrif (RET) scheme.
If successful it could bring cheaper travel for islanders, tourists and businesses across the country.
The SNP made lowering the cost of trips to the Isles, which have been seen as a barrier to growth, a key commitment in its manifesto.
The pilot will operate until the spring of 2011.
Welcoming the launch of the scheme Transport Minister Stewart Stephenson said:” For years our remote and fragile communities have been expressing concerns about the affordability of ferry travel and the impact this has on islanders. Expensive ferry fares can be damaging , not only to our local economies, but to our national economy. We want to take action to address this.
“This is the first pilot which has sought to overhaul the way fares are calculated and the aim is to establish a cheaper and fairer system for ferry users right across the country”.
He said the Western Isles pilot will act as a test case to “pave the way” for cheaper fares across all Scotland’s island communities.
Yesterday’s pilot was launched after the Scottish Government last month announced a full scale review of the country’s ferry system.
The review, which will run until autumn 2009 , will examine current provision of ferry services and what improvments should be made to meet future needs.
All aspects of the ferry network will be covered including the scope for rationalisation of fares and alternatives to ferries such as bridges and causeways.
It meets the Government’s commitment set out in the 2006National Transport Strategy to “develop a long term strategy for lifeline services to 2025”.
The national strategy committed the Government to carry out a “detailed appraisal of routes to determine whether a better configuration could be developed in response to calls for new and faster connections serving those isolated communities and a review of fares structures”.
A report published by Holyrood’s transport committee in June identified a series of short-term improvements to ferry services which should be taken forward immediately.
These include adjusting timetables to meeet user’ needs; greater co-ordination between ferry, train and bus operators; promoting more effective consultation of ferry users by operators; improving accessibility of ferries and landing areas for disabled people; and improving customer service standards.
Source: The Herald, Monday 20th .
19/10/08.
On the very day that Caledonian MacBrayne commences it’s winter timetable,
many services throughout the network are facing cancellations and disruptions as strong winds are sweeping over the Western Isles.
CalMac advised their customers yesterday that the Oban - Lochboisdale/Castlebay - Oban sailing today (CLANSMAN) may be liable to disruptions due to the adverse weather.
The sailing from Oban to Coll and Tiree at 06.45 this morning returned to Oban as ISLE OF ARRAN was unable to berth at Coll or Tiree. The next scheduled sailing will be on Tuesday 21st at 06.45 as per timetable.CLANSMAN was able to uplift traffic at Tiree on her inward bound sailing from Barra.
The Barra - Eriskay (LOCH ALAINN) 16.30 sailing from Ardmhor and the 17.30 return from Eriskay were cancelled today due to the weather
Sailings between Fionnphort and Iona (LOCH BUIE) were cancelled for remainder of the day at 15.29..
Due to the weather the 18.00hrs sailing this evening from Kennacraig will divert to Port Askaig (HEBRIDEAN ISLES) .
The 07.00 sailing tomorrow morning will depart from Port Askaig not Port Ellen as per timetable..
The freight service between Ullapool and Stornoway tonight is cancelled(MUIRNEAG) . CalMac are advising their customers who wish to travel to Stornoway tomorrow to expect delays of up to two hours.
HEBRIDES arrived in Uig from Lochmaddy at 13.17. She returned to Lochmaddy at 14.46 , thirty-one minutes late. The delay was due to bunkering and the weather conditions.
Sailings between Tayinloan and Gigha tomorrow (LOCHRANZA) may be liable to disruptions and cancellations.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to continue tomorrow.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Caledonian MacBrayne have chartered Gordon Grant’s Iona based vessel ULLIN OF STAFFA to work in partnership with LOCH BHRUSDA on the Small Isles route from Mallaig in the absence of LOCH NEVIS, which is in dry-dock at Greenock along with SATURN.
Most of the sailings will be carried out by ULLIN OF STAFFA. LOCH BHRUSDA will step in as required when vehicles are expected to be transported to the islands.
Yesterday the 07.30 and 14.25 sailings from Mallaig were cancelled due to the weather. However an unscheduled sail left Mallaig with passengers only at 13.00.
CLANSMAN has not had her troubles to seek recently. On Tuesday 7th she suffered engine problems enroute from Barra to Oban. One week later, also on passage from Barra to Oban,
she encountered a similar problem.CLANSMAN sailed on ,under reduced power,to Oban where she arrived two hours late.
On Wednesday 15th CORUISK missed the 12.15 service to Armadale due to tidal difficulties.
LORD OF THE ISLES suffered from engine problems outward bound to Barra and Lochboisdale on Thursday 16th. She returned to Oban where she was repaired in time for her scheduled service to Colonsay the next day.
ISLE OF MULL berthed overnight at Craignure to make way for LORD OF THE ISLES at the Railway Pier.
Source: Ships of CalMac/Caledonian MacBrayne.
LORD OF THE ISLES departed from Oban at the close of the summer timetable and set sail for Aberdeen for her annual overhaul. After about three weeks she is expected back at Oban where she will take over from ISLE OF MULL on the Craignure and Colonsay sailings while she is away for her overhaul.
The website for the Aberdeen yard, Dales Marine Services, where LORD OF THE ISLES will undertake her overhaul may be of interest. www.dalesmarine.co.uk
LOCH RIDDON has finished her stint as secondary vessel on the Cumbrae route . She is now at Ardmaleish for her overhaul. On completion she will sail to Iona where she will allow LOCH BUIE away for overhaul.
Thanks to Walter Bowie(Scotships).
Islanders on Barra are calling for a new ferry link to Mallaig replacing the present service to Oban.
A ferry service between Barra and Mallaig would take an estimated time of 3 hrs 15 mins.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 16th.
Caledonian MacBrayne has announced below inflation fare increases fro 2009-2010.
A 3.8% icrease will come into effect with the summer timetable on March 27th . This is below the current rate of inflation , which is at 4.7%.
Lawrie Sinclair, CalMac managing director, said that they were delighted to be able to limit fare increases at a time when the economic pressures on individuals, companies and especially transport operators has rarely been greater.
Source:The Oban Times, Thursday 16th.
An increased ferry service will run between Achnacroish and Oban as from October 19th.
There will be four sailings from Lismore from Monday to Friday at 07.45, 11.00, 15.00 and 18.00.
Saturdays will have four sailings at 09.00, 12.00, 15.00 and 18.00.
There will be a Sunday service for the first time at 11.00 and 16.00.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 16th.
Link to Caledonian MacBrayne.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) today (Thursday, October 16) launched its 2009 Explore brochure at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk.
14/10/08.
The Oban sailing to Coll and Tiree was cancelled today due to technical difficulties. The next scheduled sailing will be tomorrow at 06.00 as per timetable.
The Berneray - Leverburgh (Sound of Harris) service is facing disruptions and delays due to tidal conditions.
Tomorrow the 11.00 ex Berneray and the 12.15 ex Leverburgh have been cancelled. There is an additional sailing at 09.40 ex Berneray and 10.50 ex Leverburgh. On Thursday 16th the 12.05 ex Berneray and 13.30 ex Leverburgh have been cancelled. There is an additional sailing on Thursday at 11.00 ex Berneray and 12.15 ex Leverburgh.
The Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna service may face disrutions due to alternative vessels being deployed on the Small Isles route until Thursday 30th October. The regular vessel, LOCHNEVIS, is away for her annual overhaul. The published timetables may be subject to alteration. Customers are advised to contact the Mallaig office for further information.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
Passengers on board the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries to and from Islay are being given the chance to famliarize themselves with some of the world’s most famous single malt whiskies.
Complementary tastings and nosings , along with an interesting insight into the history and heritage of whisky, are available every Thursday until November 6th on board the 15.30 sailing from Port Askaig to Kennacraig and the 18.00 sailing from Kennacraig to Port Ellen.
Source: The Oban Times, Thursday 9th October.
12/10/08.
LOCHNEVIS departed from her Mallaig base yesterday en route for the Clyde where she will head into dry-dock for her annual overhaul. She arrived at Greenock about 15.20 today.
Thanks to Walter Bowie and Ian McCrorie (Scotships).
11/10/08.
The new Syllabus for the forthcoming winter season of Club meetings has been published on the Syllabus Page on the website.
The first meeting is on Friday October 31st when Mr Peter Reid will give an illustrated presentation entitled “West Highland Wanderings”.
All meetings are held in the Kirk Lounge, Renfield St Stephens Church Hall, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow commencing at 19.30.
Duncan Wilson.
The 12.15 sailing from Mallaig was cancelled today due to the adverse weather conditions(CORUISK).The situation was reviewed throughout the day.
Source:Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
9/10/08.
The Ullapool 10.30 and Stornoway 13.45 sailings were cancelled today due to adverse weather conditions(ISLE OF LEWIS). Weather permitting the Ullapool 17.15 sailing will go ahead.
All sailings from Oban to Barra, Lochboisdale, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay may be subject to delays or disruptions due to weather conditions today and tomorrow.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne. www.calmac.co.uk
CLANSMAN took twenty-five minutes to dock at Tiree this evening.
Thanks to Ian Somerville.
Link to Caledonian MacBrayne.
Ferry Operator Caledonian MacBrayne today announced a below-inflation increase in fares for 2009-2010.
6/10/08.
Mechanical problems forced CORUISK to return to Mallaig on Wednesday 1st October during her 16.25 sailing to Armadale. She arrived back at the Mallaig linkspan at 16.45 and remained there for the rest of the day. She was repaired in time for duties on Tuesday but weather conditions left her moored at Mallaig.
LOCH BHRUSDA departed from Mallaig at 10.00 on Monday bound for Inverie where she carried out berthing trials. She then motored over to Armadale, also for berthing trials, before returning to Mallaig.
Weather conditions on Tuesday forced CLANSMAN back to Oban directly from Tiree omitting her second call at Coll.
ISLE OF MULL was running up to forty-five minutes late by 16.00 on Tuesday due to weather related problems earlier in the day.
LOCH ALAINN carried out her normal roster on the Sound of Barra route up till 17.15. She then gave an extra sailing at 17.30 to Eriskay returning at 18.20. At 19.10 she departed for Eriskay before stopping for the night. The extra sailings were to make up for the cancelled service by LORD OF THE ISLES, which was storm bound in Oban.
The 12.05 service on the Sound of Harris route (LOCH PORTAIN) and the 13.30 return from Leverburgh were cancelled.
LORD OF THE ISLES remained tied up in Oban before picking up her roster with the 17.00 sailing to Colonsay on Friday 3rd.
Source: Ships of CalMac/Caledonian MacBrayne.
Link to Caledonian MacBrayne.
The David MacBrayne Group, which comprises the principal operators of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and the Northern Isles ferry services, today (Wednesday, October 1) published its Annual Report for 2007/08.
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Contact WHSC: info@westhighlandsteamerclub.co.uk