Armadale ferry disruption hits local economy, communities say

By Jamie McDonald

Armadale ferry disruption hits local economy, communities say

Communities in South Skye and on the mainland say ongoing disruption to the Mallaig-Armadale ferry service is causing economic pain for local businesses.

Mallaig Community Council says firms are regularly getting last minute cancellations and visitor numbers are down.

The route is currently being serviced by two charter vessels and vehicle capacity is significantly reduced as a result.

On Tuesday, operator CalMac confirmed a further delay to the MV Coruisk returning to the route.

A spokesperson for Mallaig Community Council said:

“This is not a marginal service. It is a critical economic artery. Treating it as expendable puts the future of our rural communities at risk. We refuse to be invisible in this crisis.”

The ferry operator has apologised for the disruption but says it is prioritising vessels to support routes which have no other alternative.

A CalMac spokeswoman said:

“Due to our services being stretched while several vessels are unavailable, it’s not currently possible to provide the level of service we would like to. This is understandably frustrating for customers and local communities, and we are sorry for the disruption.

“Mallaig-Armadale is a valued service, and we recognise how important it is. We are working hard to ensure that the route is covered in these difficult circumstances, but we must make difficult decisions when it comes to prioritising other routes which don’t have any alternative options to and from the mainland.

“We have chartered replacement vessels for Mallaig-Armadale until MV Coruisk returns but recognise that there has been a significant reduction in their service delivery. The intention had been for MV Loch Bhrusda to operate on this route, but the vessel must remain on the Sound of Harris service while MV Loch Portain is delayed in annual overhaul. MV Coruisk is also required on the Oban-Craignure route to meet booking demand.

“We regularly engage with communities in Mallaig through the Sound of Sleat Ferry Users Group, issuing regular updates about this service.”

The disruption is expected to continue until MV Coruisk returns to service, though no confirmed date has been given.