Customer Update - Latest network update, 5 May 2023
Customer update - latest update on services, 5 May 2023
Update 11 May 2023 - We're pleased to announce that MV Alfred will begin service operating as the second vessel on the Ardrossan-Brodick route. Two weeks of familiarisation will begin on Friday 12 May. Find out more
As we continue to manage vessel deployment around the network due to the delay to the mandatory overhaul schedule and ongoing vessel repair, we want to update you on the latest details on the effect on services. You'll find this detail below.
Before we map out that picture, it's important for us to acknowledge that this has been a very challenging period for our customers, communities and staff. We have limited options open to us, however, our team is working hard to minimise the impact on you.
Lochmaddy/Tarbert-Uig services
MV Clansman will continue to deliver this service until approximately 25 May, operating the normal timetable, while MV Hebrides undertakes her delayed overhaul period. MV Hebrides will return to normal service on 25 May.
Coll/Tiree-Oban services
MV Lord of the Isles will continue to operate an amended timetable until 25 May. MV Clansman will return to the route on 26 May, operating a normal summer timetable.
Colonsay service
Until 25 May, the service will operate from Kennacraig to Colonsay on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the service will operate from Oban. During this period, there will be no services on Sundays. Normal service will resume with MV Clansman on 26 May.
Craignure-Oban services
**Update 12 May 2023**
MV Isle of Mull and MV Coruisk will continue to operate this service while MV Loch Frisa undertakes overhaul. When MV Loch Frisa returns, MV Isle of Mull will be deployed to Oban-Lochboisdale service. MV Coruisk and MV Loch Frisa will operate on the route from 13 May to 26 May.
We have explored options to support services to and from Mull during MV Isle of Mull's deployment to Oban-Lochboisdale, and have published the latest details in our Services Status and Information pages and summarised below:
Saturday 13 May, additional sailings will operate with MV Isle of Mull.
Between 14 May - 20 May inclusive, during this period MV Isle of Mull will operate a combined Mull and Uist timetable to help with capacity issues. MV Isle of Mull will make a daily stop at Craignure (non-bookable, car and passenger service only).
Between 15 May - 26 May inclusive, an addition vessel will operate on the Lochaline - Fishnish route as an alternative option to travel to and from Mull from Monday 15 - Friday 26 May. Please see here for timetable.
Please continue to check our service updates pages for the latest information on your route.
Lochboisdale services
When MV Loch Frisa returns from overhaul to deliver services between Craignure-Oban, MV Isle of Mull will resume Oban-Lochboisdale service, this is currently expected to begin on 12 May.
MV Lord of the Isles will then take over Lochboisdale service from 26 May. For the latest information, please check our service status pages.
Mallaig-Armadale services
A single vessel timetable will now continue to operate between Armadale-Mallaig until 27 May We expect normal service to resume once MV Coruisk returns from covering services between Oban-Craignure. This is currently scheduled for 28 May.
Ardrossan-Brodick services
MV Caledonian Isles continues to operate a single vessel service between Ardrossan-Brodick. We are currently reviewing our deployment options for the period from Sunday 28 May. We are assessing whether it is possible to operate a second vessel service on this route. This will be dependent on the return of MV Hebridean Isles, and confirmation of availability of MV Alfred to operate within the network. We will provide a further update when these are finalised on our service status pages.
Campbeltown-Ardrossan services
Services between Campbeltown-Ardrossan are now scheduled to begin on 1 June.
Islay services
MV Finlaggan and MV Isle of Arran will continue to operate the Islay services until 4 June when MV Finlaggan departs for overhaul. She is currently expected to return to service on 30 June. We will share further details on vessel deployment for the period from 4 June, as soon as we can. This too will be dependent on the return of MV Hebridean Isles, and confirmation of availability of MV Alfred to operate within the network.
Castlebay-Oban services
As per CMAL's announcement that Castlebay linkspan will be closed between 21-26 May to allow them to repair wire lifting ropes, additional sailings will be available on the Sound of Barra services to allow additional support and connections for diverted customers - and it is expected that the service from Lochboisdale -Oban service will resume from 12 May. For the latest information, please check our service status pages.
To our customers
Whilst we update our reservation system to reflect changes, some sailings may be unavailable to book, and our teams are in the process of contacting and supporting any customer who is affected.
We're now in the summer timetable period, and we acknowledge the significant effect this situation is having on customers and businesses. This is at the forefront of our mind as we continue to focus on resuming a normal service. We will share the latest information we have with you as we continue to review our deployment plans.
Stay connected
Please continue to always check our service status pages, our customer updates and our @CalMac_Updates Twitter page which carry the latest information we have on each service.
Last updated: 12 May 2023