CalMac finalises dry dock schedule

Ferry operator CalMac has finalised its winter maintenance programme.

Including inter island services, CalMac runs a total of 50 routes served by 32 vessels each of which is required to undergo a period of annual dry dock maintenance.

This presents the company with a complex logistical problem to keep all of its lifeline services running with minimal disruption.

'This is always a challenging time of year for us. The communities we serve all have different service requirements, continuing to meet these over the winter months when weather also becomes a factor is a real test for our staff,' said CalMac's Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Brian Fulton.

'We know the attachment communities form with their own vessel and that having it taken away is an inconvenience, we appreciate people's patience and understanding during this short maintenance period.'

The schedule may change depending on operational priorities, but currently the arrangements are:

· Sconser/Raasay - MV Hallaig replaced by MV Loch Bhrusda, Oct 18 to Oct 30

· Ullapool/Stornoway - MV Loch Seaforth replaced by MV Isle of Lewis & MV Hebridean Isles, Oct 24 to Nov 7

· Wemyss Bay/Rothesay - MV Bute replaced by MV Coruisk, Oct 25 to Nov 8

· Fionnphort/Iona - MV Loch Buie replaced by MV Loch Riddon Nov 6 to Nov 20

· Colintraive/Rhubodach - MV Loch Dunvegan replaced by MV Loch Alainn, Nov 6 to Nov 20

· Wemyss Bay/Rothesay - MV Argyle replaced by MV Coruisk, Nov 27 to Dec 11

· Oban/Lismore - MV Loch Striven replaced by MV Loch Riddon, Nov 27 to Dec 11

· Oban/Craignure - MV Isle of Mull replaced by MV Isle of Arran, Nov 27 to Dec 11

· Sound of Barra - MV Loch Alainn replaced by MV Loch Bhrusda, Dec 4 to Dec 18

· Tarbert/Portavadie/Lochranza - MV Catriona replaced by MV Loch Riddon, Jan 4 to Jan 18

· Tayinloan/Gigha - MV Loch Ranza replaced by MV Loch Linnhe, Jan 4 to Jan 18

· Ardrossan/Brodick - MV Caledonian Isles replaced by MV Isle of Arran & MV Hebridean Isles, Jan 5 to Jan 17

· Sound of Harris - MV Loch Portain replaced by MV Loch Bhrusda, Jan 15 to Jan 29

· Oban/Castlebay - MV Isle of Lewis replaced by MV Isle of Arran, Jan 22 to Feb 5

· Largs/Cumbrae - MV Loch Shira replaced by MV Catriona, Jan 23 to Feb 6

· Kennacraig/Islay - MV Finlaggan replaced by MV Isle of Arran & MV Hebridean Isles, Feb 8 to Feb 22

· Oban/Coll/Tiree/Colonsay - MV Clansman replaced by MV Hebridean Isles

· Feb 25 to Mar 11

· Lochaline/Fishnish - MV Lochinvar replaced by MV Hallaig, Mar 5 to Mar 15