SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has raised the problems presently affecting ferry users in North Uist and Harris, with both Calmac and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.
The relief vessel presently covering these two routes from Uig in Skye (MV Hebridean Isles) has lower capacity than the regular vessel (MV Hebrides), which has created significant difficulties in recent days.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“The capacity of the relief vessel on the ‘Uig Triangle’ route is clearly not enough to cope with the demands of passengers at this time of year, as recent days have shown. The crew of MV Hebridean Isles have put in a huge effort trying to cope, for which they deserve thanks, and there have also been some extra sailings by the Lochboisdale ferry to try to pick up the strain for people in Uist.

“However, it is very clear that, as things stand, the vessel is struggling to cope with the demand that exists. I today contacted both Calmac and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to outline these problems, explaining how they have affected individual people and businesses. With MV Hebrides not due back on the route for a month or so, there is a real problem on these routes. As local MSP, I have urged Calmac to take whatever measures are possible to ensure that capacity is available for people to travel to and from Lochmaddy and Tarbert adequately in the coming weeks.”