Ferry redeployment cuts capacity on Mallaig–Armadale route until early August

Ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale will operate with reduced capacity until at least 6 August after CalMac redeployed MV Loch Bhrusda to cover a vessel breakdown elsewhere in the network.

The move follows the withdrawal of MV Loch Portain from the Sound of Harris route after engineers identified gearbox vibration levels outside acceptable tolerances.

In an update shared with the Sound of Sleat Ferry Users Group, CalMac said Loch Bhrusda will transfer from the Mallaig–Armadale service to the Sound of Harris route from Thursday, where it is expected to remain while repairs to Loch Portain are assessed.

As a result, the Mallaig–Armadale crossing will operate a single vessel timetable with the MV Coruisk.

The disruption forms part of a wider reshuffle across the west coast ferry network, triggered by the loss of Loch Portain and planned maintenance on MV Hebrides.

On the Sound of Harris route, Loch Bhrusda will replace Loch Portain, although its smaller capacity means MV Glen Sannox will provide an inter-island service between Lochmaddy and Tarbert until 27 July. Additional passenger charter sailings will also operate between 22 and 24 July to ease demand.

Meanwhile, Hebrides is due to undergo three days of essential maintenance from 28 July, with Glen Sannox operating an amended timetable on the Little Minch route during that period.

The redeployment will also affect Mallaig–Small Isles services, where additional vehicle and passenger charter sailings will operate on 25 July and 1 August.

CalMac added that port staff are contacting affected passengers and apologised for the disruption caused by the changes.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is to receive £4 million from the Scottish Government to reopen one of its key centres.

The Fàs building, which has been out of use since 2022, will be refurbished to become the new Centre for Gaelic Creativity.

The redevelopment will also include a media studio for broadcast training, the Fàs Mòr nursery, and a space for community activities and businesses.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

“The Fàs Building is at the heart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – the renovation of this building will enable the college to expand its support for and promotion of Gaelic in Skye, in Scotland and beyond. One of the most important things we can do for Gaelic’s future is train and support more Gaelic medium education teachers, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Fàs building has a key role in this. This is about more than a building, it is a commitment to Gaelic at a critical moment for the language, backed by investment and a determination to see Gaelic thrive for generations.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal Dr Gillian Munro welcomed the announcement. She said:

“Regenerating Fàs supports our work expanding and modernising our curriculum, digital learning opportunities, research capacity, and our work with the community. Gaelic deserves institutions that operate innovatively – and this investment ensures we can continue to do that for our students, the local community, and for all of Scotland.”

The college, which has over 1,600 full time and part time students, has been Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language and culture for more than 50 years.

Concerns raised as essential signage blocked from view

Concerns have been raised in Sleat over the obstruction of essential signage due to overgrown vegetation.

The Sleat Community Council have reported the issue to the Highland Council three times. It affects the 20 mph flashing warning signs that slow traffic during school opening hours at Bun Sgoil Shlèite.

In a post on social media, the Sleat Community Council said:

“Despite three separate online reports to the The Highland Council since before the end of the summer term the Bun-sgoil Shlèite southbound 20mph warning sign is still partly obscured by overgrown trees.

“With the summer holidays continuing for many and our roads remaining busy, it is disappointing that the council reporting system has failed the community.”

The community council are asking drivers to use extreme caution when approaching the school.

Car versus motorbike in road traffic accident on A855

There was severe disruption on the road near the Achachork junction today after a road traffic accident.

Long queues formed on either side of the accident, with motorists being advised to avoid the area and use the diversion routes.

A police spokesperson told Radio Skye:

“Around 11.25am on Wednesday, 16 August 2023, we were called to a report of crash involving a car and a motorcycle on the A855 near Portree. Emergency services are in attendance.”

Man jailed after HGV hits Inverness pedestrian

A 33 year old man from Harris has been jailed for three years after the lorry he was driving struck a woman in Inverness in March 2021.

The woman required emergency surgery to amputate her leg after being crushed by the wheels of the HGV.

The driver, John Campbell, was over the legal alcohol driving limit and has also been banned from driving for seven and a half years.

Corran ferry service off… again

The Corran ferry service has ben cancelled for vehicles just over 24 hours after it started sailing again.

An ongoing issue with the steering system onboard relief vessel MV Maid of Glencoul means that vehicles are unable to be carried across the Corran Narrows.

The operators of the service, The Highland Council, has advised local communities that the 48 year old ferry requires new parts which could take several weeks to source.

A passenger only service is in operation with vehicles being forced to use alternative routes. Full contingency measures can be found on the Highland Council website: Corran Ferry passenger service update – Wednesday 16 August | The Highland Council

Warning of disruption to Skye Calmac ferry route

National ferry operators Calmac Ferries has confirmed that the final week of the summer timetable will be released in two phases.

Contingency measures are also being put in place due to the ongoing absence of major vessel MV Hebridean Isles from active service.

On the local Skye routes, there will be some disruption as the fleet transitions from the summer to winter timetables.

A single vessel service will operate between Mallaig and Armadale on the 20th, 21st and 22nd October with MV Loch Fyne as MV Coruisk will be redeployed to the Clyde.

Phase one of the remaining summer timetable is available to book from today, 16th August, with phase two following on the 23rd August.

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