Several CalMac services across the west coast of Scotland have been cancelled because of strong winds and large sea swells.
Two services operating between Mallaig and the Small Isles and between Oban, Coll and Tiree have been stopped for the rest of Saturday, November 26.
The Skye Triangle operating between Uig and Lochmaddy faces disruption due to inclement weather and ongoing pier works at Lochmaddy, with an amended timetable operating on the route.
The 2pm sailing from Uig has been cancelled along with the 7.30am and 4.10pm from Lochmaddy.
An update on further cancellations on Sunday, November 27 will be published at 5pm tonight.
Services between Oban and Castlebay have been cancelled due to sea swellings of over five metres predicted.
❌RED #Oban #Castlebay 27Nov Due to forecast adverse weather combined with associated sea conditions, with sea swell predicted to be up to 5m, all sailings on this route have been cancelled.
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) November 26, 2022
CalMac also confirmed the 10.10am sailing between Eriskay and Ardmhor in the Outer Hebrides would be the last of the day.
❌RED #Ardmhor #Eriskay 26Nov Due to adverse weather of strong winds and associated sea conditions, the 09:15 from Ardmhor 10:10 from Eriskay will be the last sailings of the day.
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) November 26, 2022
Twelve more routes around the west coast of Scotland are liable to disruption, with CalMac warning to “be aware” on a further nine routes.
23 out of 29 CalMac routes face disruption due to weather.
In a service update on the Mallaig to Small Isles sailing, CalMac said: “Due to adverse weather, with winds forecast to be gusting 45mph, and associated sea conditions all sailings on this route have been cancelled.”
For months, the ferry operator has faced pressure to improve its services for the island communities.
Factors such as the pandemic, the ageing fleet and now winter conditions have contributed to frustration from islanders over the unreliability of vital ferry services.
CalMac addressed this in its service update: “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.
“In this instance, the Master of the vessel has judged it is necessary in response to the assessment of adverse weather conditions. ”
More disruption due to adverse weather conditions is likely to continue throughout the next few months of winter.
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