MV Hebrides returning to normal service

Repairs to the MV Hebrides have now been completed successfully and the ferry was scheduled to return to normal service this morning (Monday).

 

The vessel was taken to Greenock on Friday after sustaining damage to her hull during berthing at Lochmaddy pier on North Uist earlier in the week.

 

She was expected to leave the James Watt dock in Greenock this afternoon (Sunday) and will resume sailings out of Uig from 9.30am tomorrow.

 

The vessels redeployed to cover the repair work will now return to their designated routes as soon as possible.

 

This includes the return of a two-vessel service on the Ardrossan-Brodick route from Tuesday, and the reinstatement of the Ardrossan-Campbeltown service.

 

CalMac added that it is necessary to return MV Hebridean Isles to the Islay route so a full service can be reinstated on the Ardrossan-Brodick route.

 

Any passengers with bookings who were affected by the withdrawal of MV Hebrides will be contacted to advise that sailings will be reinstated. Bookings will reopen from Monday afternoon.

 

The South Uist vessel, MV Lord of the Isles, remains in dock and repairs to her drenching system are progressing well according to the company.

 

A CalMac spokeswoman said: 'This was a significant disruption for our communities, and we sincerely apologise for this at what was already a very difficult time for them.

 

'We are extremely grateful for their support and understanding as we dealt with the loss of two vessels.

 

'Our port teams continue to work closely with customers to ensure that their travel plans are accommodated over the coming days.'