LOCAL NEWS 21 MARCH 2023

The MV Alfred will join the CalMac fleet on a nine-month charter from Pentland Ferries effective from 18th April 2023, following confirmation from the Scottish Goverment and Transport Scotland.

The loan period will begin with berthing trials being undertaking. CalMac has said the primary focus for the use of MV Alfred will be for resilience purposes and to provide relief benefits across the network,

The west coast ferry operator said that the vessel should help to mitigate the impact of disruption or where certain islands are reduced to single vessel service. CalMac said although resilience availability will remain the priority, there may be opportunities to facilitate some additional, non-bookable freight sailings, when possible, to support capacity constraints.

The statement added: “This is most likely to be focused on freight operations at key pinch points on the network. We will be engaging with network community representatives over the next few weeks to discuss deployment options to support resilience across the network.

“All crew will be provided by Pentland Ferries who will be responsible for delivery of service and the operational, technical and safety management of the vessel, including maintenance, repair, overhaul, and provision of crew throughout the charter period. “

The news follows on from last Thursday’s (March 16th) announcement by Deputy First Minister John Swinney that the two lifeline ferries currently under construction at the Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow will be delayed by several months more.

The MV Glen Sannox is now scheduled for completion for autumn 2023, rather than the estimated date at the end of May 2023, meanwhile, the second vessel simply named 802, will be handed over no later than December 2024, as opposed to the scheduled timeline of March 2024.

Last week Audit Scotland reported that the two vessels are currently estimated to cost £293 million, with delivery already five years late. The Scottish Government has invested £21 million of additional funding for ferries in the 2022/23.

Kilt Rock car park delays

Redevelopment works at one of Skye’s beauty spots has been hit by a delay of several weeks.

Visitor Destination Management organisation Skye Connect confirmed on Monday that the car park works at Kilt Rock in northeast Skye was approximately 6 weeks behind schedule due to weather constraints over the winter period, along with other operational matters.

Once completed it will be a much-improved site for visitors. It is likely to reopen at some point during June, assuming no further delays due to any unforeseen circumstances.

Beat The Drum set for Skye gig

Fans of Runrig may still be in mourning following the band’s farewell performance, the last dance at Stirling Castle almost five years, ago, but that void will be filled for one night at least as professional tribute band Beat the Drum has confirmed they will play on Skye this winter.

Paying homage to the legends Runrig, Beat the Drum will take to the stage at the Portree Community Centre on 22nd November in the first UK date of their tour.

The Skye gig will follow on from performances in Germany and Denmark.

News by Adam Gordon.

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