Ferry cancellations across west coast islands and Orkney on Wednesday

A yellow weather warning for the west coast is causing cancellations to sailings across the CalMac network.

Northlink has cancelled its Orkney service between Stromness and Scrabster, with the next service at 4.45pm.

Customers have been asked to check ahead before they travel.

There is disruption to most of CalMac’s routes.

There is a yellow warning is for severe gales in place for the Western Isles.

Cancelled so far today are:

• Mallaig to Oban to Lochboisdale – Due to an extension of the overhaul programme, this service is cancelled until Thursday March 31.
• Ardrossan to Brodick – Due to the continuing severe weather on Wednesday March 9, the following sailings have been cancelled: Departing Ardrossan – 7am 9.45am and 12.30pm, depart Brodick – 8.20am and 11.05am. There will be a review at 12.30pm in relation to later sailings.
• Stromness, Orkney to Scrabster – Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions the 6.30am sailing from Stromness to Scrabster and the 8.45am sailing from Scrabster to Stromness have been cancelled. The next scheduled sailing will depart Stromness at 4.45pm sailing for Scrabster.

Sailings are disrupted on routes:

• Tobermory, Mull to Kilchoan – Due to adverse weather this service is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Ardmhor, Barra – Eriskay –Due to adverse weather the 6am from Ardmhor and the 6.45am from Eriskay have been cancelled. There will be a review at 9.30am for a delayed 9.15am sailing at approximately 10am or when weather allows.
• Oban to Castlebay, Barra – The vessel will attempt to depart Castlebay at 7.55am as timetabled, but it is possible the service may be delayed to await a weather window. If there is a delay to the 7.55am, there may be a knock-on delay to the 1.40pm from Oban.
• Colintraive to Rhubodach, Bute – Due to adverse weather conditions this service is suspended. There will be a review at approximately 8am.
• Oban to Coll and Tiree – Due to essential repairs required to MV Lord of the Isles, an amended timetable will operate.
• Tayinloan to Gigha – Due to forecast adverse weather, this service is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Uig, Skye to Tarbert, Harris – Due to weather disruptions, an amended timetable will operate.
• Fionnphort, Mull to Iona – Due to continuing adverse weather morning sailings will be suspended.  There will be a review at approximately 9am with regard to later sailings.
• Kennacraig to Port Askaig, Islay; Kennacraig to Port Ellen, Islay – Due to adverse weather, the following sailings are cancelled: Depart Kennacraig 7am, departing Port Askaig 7am and departing Port Ellen 9.45am. Due to forecast of strong winds, all sailings will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Tarbert, Loch Fyne to Portavadie – Due to forecast adverse weather sailings will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Ullapool to Stornoway, Lewis – Due to a forecast of strong winds, the following amended timetable will operate: Depart Stornoway 7am cancelled.Depart Ullapool: 10.30am – delayed until 12pm. Estimated time of arrival in Stornoway is 2.30pm. Depart Stornoway: 2pm- delayed until 3.30pm. Estimated time of arrival in Ullapool is 6pm. Depart Ullapool: 5.30pm – delayed until approximately 7pm. Estimated time of arrival in Stornoway is 9.30pm. These sailings will operate on a load and go basis. All sailings are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Oban to Lismore – Due to forecast of South Easterly winds, sailings are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. Morning sailings are particularly at risk.
• Oban to Mull – Due to adverse weather, the 7.25am from Oban and the 8.40am from Craignure are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Lochaline to Fishnish – Due to adverse weather with winds exceeding 57mph, sailings will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Mallaig to Armadale, Skye – Due to adverse weather the 4pm departing Mallaig and 4.45pm departing Armadale have been cancelled.

• Uig, Skye to Lochmaddy – Due to weather disruptions, an amended timetable will operate.
• Berneray, North Uist to Leverburgh, Harris – Due to adverse weather the 7.25am from Berneray and 8.35am from Leverburgh have been cancelled. There will be a review at 10.30am regarding later sailings.
• Sconser to Raasay – Due to forecast adverse weather sailings are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. Sailings in the early morning are at very high likelihood of disruption.
• Mallaig to Armadale, Skye – Due to adverse weather this service is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
• Mallaig to Small Isles – Due to adverse weather this service is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.

‘Cancelling a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly’

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “Due to an adverse weather forecast all sailings on these routes have been cancelled.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Cancelling a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly.

“We know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve.

“However, the safety of our customers and crew must come first.”

“If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter@CalMac_Updates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available.

“Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates.”