Below is the latest apology from CalMac. (Received Friday May 1st at 18:00). But before we get to that –
If you are not a frequent traveler to and from Mull, please dont panic. We are very fortunate to have a second route to and from the mainland, between Fishnish and Lochaline. If you are travelling by car, it is a very good alternative to our main Oban-Craignure service. Many locals use it routinely as their first choice. If you are planning a holiday on Mull and are coming here by car, please be reassured that despite the rolling ‘ferry crisis’ news headlines, you CAN get to and from Mull without difficulty. If your Oban – Craignure sailing is sold out or your booking cancelled, consider travelling via Lochaline instead:
- It’s much more reliable
- Its much higher frequency
- You don’t have to book in advance or arrive 30 minutes before sailing – just turn up and drive on
- It has greater total daily vehicle capacity than our current Oban – Craignure service.
- It does increase driving time a little if travelling from the south, but its a beautiful journey that will only add to your holiday
- It can get busy at weekends and if disruption on the Oban-Craignure route is severe. Just make sure that you don’t plan to arrive for the last sailing of the day, in case the waiting traffic can’t be cleared by one sailing.
So, with that positive public service message delivered, on to the bad news from CalMac –
Good afternoon,
I am getting in touch to update you about a further delay to the return of MV Hebrides. During this year’s overhaul, the visor was removed from the vessel, and a significant amount of remedial work was undertaken.
The visor was reinstalled and tested as per Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) procedures. On sea trials this afternoon, an issue was identified with the visor seal which will require an OEM adjustment.
The OEM will be onsite by noon tomorrow (Saturday).
Deployment plans for routes impacted by MV Hebrides’ delay exiting dock have been published up until today, and we’re now extending these plans until Tuesday 5 May.
This means:
• MV Clansman remains on Little Minch
• MV Isle of Mull remains on Oban-Coll/Tiree/Colonsay
• MV Coruisk remains on Oban-Craignure alongside MV Loch Frisa
• A passenger charter remains in place on Mallaig-Armadale.
I am aware of an urgent requirement for fuel on Tiree, and we are continuing to work on plans to get this to the island.
I am sorry for the continued disruption to you through this period and I’ll provide updates as soon as possible.