Customer Update - Latest network update, 16 June 2023
Customer update - latest update on services, 16 June 2023
We have a further update to share on vessel repairs and the impact on services on the network.
Before we share the details, we want to 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.
Islay service
There has been an additional delay to the return of MV Hebridean Isles, and the vessel will be unavailable for service while work continues on her controllable pitch propeller issue.
As a result, MV Isle of Arran will continue to support the Islay route.
Ardrossan-Brodick service
As a result, MV Alfred will continue to service the Ardrossan-Brodick route alongside MV Caledonian Isles until 27 July. From 30 June, MV Alfred will operate to the current published timetable and those customers who were booked on MV Isle of Arran will be transferred to MV Alfred. We will contact those customers who will be impacted.
If you plan to travel to Arran by foot, but have not yet booked travel, we would encourage you to do so on board MV Caledonian Isles sailings, where possible.
Ardrossan-Campbeltown
The Campbeltown ferry service will remain cancelled until 27 July, while MV Hebrides remains unavailable for service.
Lochboisdale service
MV Lord of the Isles is expected to return to the Lochboisdale route as planned on 1 July when MV Finlaggan returns from annual maintenance.
To our customers
Our systems are currently being updated to reflect these changes. Our deployment plans will be reviewed if a return to service date is confirmed for MV Hebridean Isles.
For any customers who are affected, we will contact you directly. We are conscious that our lines and channels are very busy now, and we are conscious of wait times - so please be assured you will hear from us instead.
We are very sorry for the effect this disruption is having on customers and businesses. Our team is continuing to work hard to do whatever we can to minimise disruption to you, with the vessels we have access to.
01/06/2023 update:
Islay services
MV Hebridean Isles, which normally operates services between Islay-Kennacraig, will remain out of service due to continuing pitch control issues. She will enter dry dock, today, 31 May to undergo further repairs and extensive trials.
MV Finlaggan, which also operates the Islay-Kennacraig route, is scheduled to begin overhaul on 4 June, following a lengthy delay. Please check our service status pages for full details on the service.
Lochboisdale services
During this time, MV Lord of the Isles will be redeployed to deliver a two-vessel service on the Islay route, alongside MV Isle of Arran. Unfortunately, this will mean the Lochboisdale service will be cancelled - and we are providing additional sailings on the Sound of Barra to offer a connection to the Castlebay-Oban service for Lochboisdale traffic. Please check our service status pages for full details on the services outlined.
We are in the process of updating our reservation system to include additional Sound of Barra sailings, and bookings are temporarily unavailable while this takes place.
MV Alfred has had a temporary repair carried out to her thruster, however she cannot operate the published timetable as she is unable to operate to Kennacraig and would need to operate to either Troon or Campbeltown, which reduces the number of sailings that could be carried out. Therefore, the decision has been taken to retain her on the Arran Service.
Colonsay services
With the exception of Wednesday and Saturdays, Colonsay service will be delivered from Oban. Wednesday and Saturday service will be from Kennacraig via Islay to Colonsay and return, and there will be no Oban link. Please check our service status pages for full details on sailings.
Our deployment plans remain under regular review and include the possibility of delivering additional sailings on the Lochmaddy service to support displaced South Uist traffic.
To our customers
This has been a difficult period for our customers, the communities we serve and our staff, while vessels undergo delayed overhaul and prolonged periods of repair. Our team is continuing to work hard to do whatever we can to minimise disruption to you, with the vessels we have access to.
For any customers who are affected, we will contact you directly. We are conscious that our lines and channels are very busy now, and we are conscious of wait times - so please be assured you will hear from us instead.
Stay connected
Please continue to always check our service status pages, and our @CalMac_Updates Twitter page which carry the latest information we have on each service.
Last updated: 16 June 2023