CalMac confirms additional sailings to help ease disruption

The vessel encountered a technical failure at approx 1105 as she was preparing to dock at Lochmaddy port on North Uist, which resulted in her striking pontoons in the harbour and the hull briefly touched the seabed. Divers will make an inspection of the below-water area of the hull tomorrow and, based on those findings, appropriate action will be taken.

On Monday (September 26), two return sailings, instead of the usual single return journey, will be made from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Mallaig.

The timings are as follows:

Depart Lochboisdale 0700

Arrive Mallaig 1030

Depart Mallaig 1050

Arrive Lochboisdale 1420

Depart Lochboisdale 1440

Arrive Mallaig 1810

Depart Mallaig 1830

Arrive Lochboisdale 2200

There will also be an additional return sailing on the Berneray to Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, route, departing Berneray at 0950 and Leverburgh at 1055.

"We are doing everything possible to ease disruption for our customers and apologise for the undoubted inconvenience which is being experienced," said CalMac's Operations Director Drew Collier. "We are grateful for the support, patience and understanding we have received from passengers and we ask that our customers continue to bear with us while we work to sort out the best alternatives possible. The safety of our passengers, crew and vessel is paramount and everyone can be assured that a full formal investigation is underway."

The company is speaking directly to customers affected to ensure that the best alternatives for them are made.

Customers should continue to check CalMac's website www.calmac.co.uk and social media channels for any further updates.