CALMAC CONFIRM MV HEBRIDES TO STAY ON THE LOCHMADDY-UIG ROUTE DURING THE WINTER RE-FIT PERIOD DECISION SIGNALS NO WINTER RETURN TO UIST FOR MV FINLAGGAN Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed MV Finlaggan will not service the Lochmaddy to Uig route during the ferries re-fit period this winter, except perhaps for a three-week period in March 2014 when MV Hebrides undergoes her own annual re-fit. Last winter MV Finlaggan, normally running between Kennacraig and Islay, operated on the busy North Uist to Skye route for an extended period, while MV Hebrides covered for other vessels undergoing their annual refits. In that time, travellers were affected by a series of delays and cancellations, causing many to consider the Finlaggan an unsuitable vessel for the Minch route. However, Caledonian MacBrayne has maintained that MV Finlaggan is entirely capable of operating on the Lochmaddy route. The ferry operator contends that the Finlaggan was affected by severe weather last winter, which would have hampered any vessel running on the same route. Nonetheless, the potential of a winter return for the Finlaggan has been a cause of concern for local businesses and a regular topic of discussion at community council meetings throughout the summer. Now a Caledonian MacBrayne spokesman has said that while final aspects of the re-fit schedule are still being decided, he can confirm that: “For operational reasons we have decided to deploy the MV Hebrides on the Uig triangle during the refit period, except for a three week period in March when she is in refit herself.” News that MV Hebrides, generally considered reliable, will not be deployed elsewhere during the re-fit period will be welcomed by travellers who have been concerned up until now that another winter of disruption and uncertainty lay ahead.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:05:48 +0000
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