Ferry sailings for Barra and South Uist continue to face disruptions after a ship was withdrawn from service.
Cal Mac said the MV Lord of the Isles suffered “teething problems” related to a pair of new propellers.
Laden with passengers and trucks delayed from Monday, she was forced to turn back at sea on her first commercial voyage after returning from her second drydock in weeks.
She had departed Oban at 6.30am yesterday (Tues) on what should have a special sailing following cancellations due to a gale on Monday.
The ship was in the Sound of Mull, about 40 minutes out, when she aborted her sailing.
Fortunately, the MV Isle of Arran was available in Oban after being pulled off the Uig triangle route to stand in for the drydock relief period.
She made a late departure to Castlebay and Lochboisdale.
However, this morning’s (Wed) Oban-bound traffic from South Uist will be taken a lengthy distance out of the way to north Skye. Transport will be provided for foot passengers to Oban.
The inbound morning ferry sailing from Castlebay is delayed to a time yet to be arranged.
Cal Mac told passengers hoping to travel out to the islands: “There will hopefully be a Oban/Castlebay/Oban sailing at a time to be confirmed depending on how repairs to Lord of the Isles goes.”