Businesses on Berneray are expressing concern that the island is being left high and dry next week due to no sailings to and from Leverburgh for at least three weeks.
Relief ferry MV Loch Bhrusda is scheduled to leave the route after its scheduled sailings on Monday, despite the regular ferry MV Loch Portain remaining in Greenock for investigations into excessive vibration.
CalMac estimated there will be no ferry crossings until Saturday, September 13, due to the redeployment of the Loch Bhrusda to cover the Mallaig–Small Isles services.
The new ferry situation, coming after months of wider CalMac disruption, has dismayed local Berneray businesses.
Eilidh Carr commented that ferry withdrawal was “another blow to our already difficult season this year”.
Eilidh, who operates the award-winning Coralbox gift shop, added: “The final 3 out of 5 weeks for our summer season will now have less footfall and traffic through the island and local businesses than ever before – instead all traffic will be diverted via Lochmaddy to Tarbert.
“These coming weeks are still part of our peak summer season when visitor numbers should be high. A disappointing end to the season.”
A second Berneray entrepreneur said: “[It’s] been a slow year for all island business by sounds. At Berneray Shop and Bistro we have seen a drop in footfall. What can we do!”
Cal Mac is chartering a 12-passenger-only vessel, MV Pabbay Lass, to operate sailings from Leverburgh Pontoons and the Fishermen’s Pier in Berneray.
The timetable is as follows from Tuesday until September 13:
Depart Leverburgh – 07:30, 16:30
Depart Berneray – 08:15, 17:15
Explains CalMac: “MV Loch Portain has been removed from service and is now berthed at James Watt Dock, in Greenock, where further investigations into the vibration levels on all 4 main engines and associated gearboxes will take place.
“A full report with recommendations has now been received and is under review, with the vessel carrying out further tests and trials in the Clyde area as investigations continue. An update on progress of investigations will be provided week commencing Monday August 31.”
Meanwhile, MV Glen Sannox will operate between Tarbert and Lochmaddy from Monday until Sunday, September 13.
MV Loch Bhrusda is CalMac’s “firefighting” vessel, moved wherever the next breakdown occurs. There is no other shallow‑draught vessel capable of safely navigating the Sound of Harris’s tidal channels and sandbanks.
While a charter boat is in place, it has a very limited capacity, cannot carry vehicles, and is unable to operate in all tidal conditions on the Berneray-Leverburgh route.
