Several ferry services have been called off and are facing delays due to strong winds forecast.
CalMac had already announced on Tuesday night that services between Uig and Lochmaddy were cancelled today due to ongoing pier works and adverse weather.
Now other services have been cancelled, impacting travel today and tomorrow.
The Mallaig and Lochboisdale service and freight Ullapool and Stornoway will not run.
The crossings have been called off due to safety concerns as forecasters warn wind speeds could reach highs of 59mph in some areas.
‘No service will be possible’ to Lochmaddy
The forecast comes as works to upgrade Lochmaddy Pier in North Uist continue.
The £15.3million project will see the existing infrastructure at the west coast terminal replaced to cater to the firms new fleet of vessels.
Ferry bosses say attempting to dock amidst the conditions would be “unsafe” leaving them no choice but to terminate services for the day.
Affected customers are now being contacted to warn them of the disruption.
❌RED #Uig #Lochmaddy 26Oct We are in the process of contacting all customers who will be affected by this disruption. An update on Thursday's sailings will be provided at approx. 10:00am.
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) October 25, 2022
CalMac say the safety of their customers is paramount and is their number one priority.
A spokesman, with regards to the cancelled services between Uig and Lochmaddy, said: “As a result of adverse weather with strong winds gusting to 59 mph combined with ongoing council pier works at Lochmaddy which restricts vessel manoeuvrability in the harbour area, making it unsafe to arrive and depart in the forecasted wind speed and direction no service will be possible on Wednesday, October 26.
“The safety of our passengers, ships and crew must come first.”
CalMac have confirmed an update on Thursday’s sailings will be provided at around 10am on Wednesday.
What about other services?
Several other ferry services have been cancelled and departure timings have been rescheduled due to strong winds.
Cancellation warnings have also been issued on the following routes:
- Ardmhor, Barra – Eriskay
- Oban – Castlebay
- Uig – Tarbert
- Kennacraig – Port Ellen
- Ullapool – Stornoway
- Berneray – Leverburgh
Passengers on several other routes are warned that sailings could be disrupted by bad weather and are advised to check for the latest updates on CalMac’s website.
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