Six weeks after the start of the summer timetable and after multiple false-starts, the MV Isle of Mull is on her way back.

We’ve encouraged the AI artist to add extra excitement to the picture. Even the waves are smiling.

Here is the full update from CalMac, received May 12th at 13:00:

I just wanted to update you that the MV Hebrides has been repaired, and she will depart Aberdeen this afternoon.

She is expected to pick up service on Uig – Tarbert/Lochmaddy on the afternoon of Wednesday 13 May and this will release MV Clansman back to Coll, Tiree, Colonsay which will release the MV Isle of Mull back to Oban-Craignure.

MV Hebrides’ return will trigger a full vessel cascade as follows:

• MV Clansman can be released to Oban – Coll/Tiree/Colonsay 

• MV Isle of Mull can be released to Oban – Craignure 

• We can restore a direct service to South Uist, with MV Lord of the Isles returned to Mallaig-Lochboisdale

• MV Isle of Arran will move to Islay to replace MV Lord of the Isles, which has been covering MV Finlaggan’s overhaul

There may be some minor disruption as we reposition vessels due to berth availability in Oban, but by Thursday we should have completed this vessel cascade. We will keep you informed of this.

I know this will be welcome news but also appreciate how challenging and frustrating the past few weeks have been and once these moves are complete, we should have a level of normality across the network.