A car ferry service will resume on the Sound of Harris route from the end of September, with the welcome news that CalMac are bringing back the MV Loch Bhrusda.

The MV Loch Bhrusda – which started the service on this route more than 30 years ago – will be back on the lifeline link between Leverburgh and Berneray from 28 September until the summer timetable finishes on 18 October.

Meanwhile, passengers are advised there will be no service at all on the route on Friday (11 September) as the charter boat Pabbay Lass will be having essential maintenance.

The MV Loch Portain, which usually serves the arterial route linking Lewis and Harris to the Southern Isles, continues to have technical issues and remains out of service. It has been off the route for much of the year so far for various periods of maintenance and engineering work. 

In an update, CalMac said: “MV Loch Portain remains out of service at James Watt Dock, Greenock, while investigations into vibration levels affecting all four main engines and their associated gearboxes continue.

“At present, we are not in a position to return MV Loch Portain to the Sound of Harris service for the remainder of the Summer timetable.

“We are continuing to work through the recommendations outlined by the equipment manufacturer.”

The MV Loch Bhrusda is CalMac’s fleet relief vessel and also fills in specifically for the MV Loch Portain. They are the fleet’s only two shallow draft vessels which enables them to sail the Sound of Harris.

There remains no car service on the Leverbugh and Berneray route until the end of September as cover is currently being provided by charter boat Pabbay Lass, which carries passengers only. It is also limited to 12 passengers and is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

The Pabbay Lass sails between the Leverburgh Pontoons and the Fishermans Pier, Berneray.

CalMac have advised there will be an amended timetable in place on the route between Monday 14 and Friday 18 September, with three sailings a day in each direction.

Tidal conditions can impact the service on the Sound of Harris, so passengers are advised to check timetables carefully before planning to travel.

The MV Glen Sannox will continue operating an inter-island service between Tarbert and Lochmaddy until 27 September.

The MV Loch Bhrusda has been covering the service between Mallaig and the Small Isles while the MV Lochnevis was undergoing work.