Customer Update - Latest network update, 6 April 2023
Customer update - latest network update, 6 April 2023
**The information below was accurate on 6 April when published but has since changed for a number of services, please check our service updates pages for the latest information on your route. Thank you. **
It has been a very challenging period for our customers, communities and staff recently. Vessels have experienced delays to repairs, which has in turn then delayed the mandatory overhaul schedule. This has subsequently affected the deployment of vessels around the network. The scenario would be a challenge at any time of year - and as we move into the summer timetable period, and we fully acknowledge how the timing makes this increasingly difficult for those we serve.
Our team is working hard to minimise the impact on you. As part of that process, we've provided the latest update below:
Services to and from Islay
Following on from our update on 31 March, we have taken the decision to delay the start of MV Finlaggan's overhaul due to the ongoing disruption on the network. A single vessel timetable will operate on our Islay service until 15 April (inclusive). Currently, we are working towards a two-vessel service being in operation from 16 April to 27 May, depending on the return of the MV Caledonian Isles. The normal summer timetable is expected to resume from 28 May.
Our systems for sailings up to 27 May inclusive are currently being updated and the timetable from 16 April May to 27 May will be available on our website shortly.
We are in the process of contacting and supporting any customer who is affected.
Please continue to check our Service Status and Information pages for the very latest information on the service and sailings.
Services to and from Lochboisdale
Following the decision to delay MV Finlaggan's overhaul, we have been able to maintain sailings on the Lochboisdale service between 5-16 April, with a reduced timetable operating on 16 April. The service will be operated by MV Isle of Mull, and will operate from Oban rather than Mallaig, as per the usual summer timetable.
At the moment, we're unable to maintain service from 17 April - 12 May as MV Isle of Mull is required to relieve MV Loch Frisa on Craignure-Oban while she completes her annual overhaul. However, our team is working hard to continue to explore options for service provision during this time. The normal summer timetable is expected to resume from 13 May. *View latest update for the period 17 April - 12 May.
Our team is in the process of contacting those customers who were previously impacted - and we will continue to keep our customers updated as this progresses. Please do continue to check our Service Status and Information pages for the latest details.
Services to and from Colonsay
To maintain services to Lochboisdale and to provide capacity to Islay and Coll/Tiree, the return service to Colonsay will be cancelled on Saturday 8 and 15 April and Sunday 9 April.
MV Lord of the Isles will operate an amended timetable from 10 April - 12 May on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Service will operate to Colonsay on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 19 April.
Services to the Small Isles
As planned, a Saturday service will be in operation by MV Loch Bhrusda on 8 and 15 April and from 20 May onwards. As a result of disruption and vessel deployment elsewhere on the network, a passenger charter service will operate on 22, 29 April and 6, 13 May. Prebooking is essential - and customers are asked to contact the port office at Mallaig to arrange their reservations.
Services on the Sound of Barra
The additional sailings from 5 April - 16 April will now be withdrawn while the Lochboisdale-Oban service is reinstated for this period. The normal summer timetable will be in operation. Additional sailings will be in place for 17 April - 12 May to provide a connection for Uist traffic. We'll share up to the minute information on our Service Status page.
Services to Coll and Tiree
An amended timetable will be in operation from 8 April - 12 May by MV Lord of the Isles. There will be no Castlebay connections on Wednesdays up to 10 May. MV Clansman will return to service from 13 May.
Services to and from Arran
As we continue to manage vessel deployment across the network, a single vessel timetable will now operate between Ardrossan-Brodick until 27 May. MV Isle of Arran will deliver the service up to 14 April.
MV Caledonian Isles is now scheduled to return to service from 15 April and then will operate the single vessel timetable until 27 May. A two-vessel summer timetable will be in operation from 28 May.
Services to and from Campbeltown
This also means that the service to and from Campbeltown will now resume on 1 June, instead of 11 May, as previously published.
We want to acknowledge that with no spare vessels and limited deployment options, this is a very challenging period for our customers and the communities we serve. As we move into the summer timetable period, we know the significant effect it is having on customers and businesses. This is at the forefront of our mind as we continue to focus on resuming a normal service as quickly as possible. 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: 7 April 2023