The Lewis and Harris Piping Society’s annual junior competition, due to take place in Tarbert tomorrow (Saturday), has been postponed due to a combination of ferry and weather problems.

CalMac have confirmed the Loch Bhrusda, which was due to return to the Berneray Leverbrugh service this week, has been unable to reposition itself as scheduled due to weather, meaning vehicles are still unable to travel across the Sound of Harris.

The route is still being served by the passenger-only boat MV Loch Bhrusda, so the piping society have called off the competition, which sees players travel the length of the Western Isles to be at Sir E Scott to show off their skills on the chanter and the pipes.

Around 60 young people, including players from Uist and Barra, attend the event, which will now be rescheduled. There are hopes it will be able to go ahead within the next few weeks.

The recital tonight (Friday) from piper Roddy MacLeod MBE will go ahead as planned in the Caladh Inn. It is a competition tradition for the visiting head judge to give a recital the night before, usually making it a full weekend of events.

Lewis and Harris Piping Society chairman Dr John Smith confirmed the competition was off this weekend.

He said: “The Lewis and Harris Piping Society regret that they are postponing the junior competition due to be held on Saturday due to a combination of problems with the ferries and the weather forecast for Saturday.

“CalMac issued a warning this morning that due to the weather the Loch Bhrusda would not be able to reposition for the Sound of Harris crossing for Saturday.

“This is very disappointing, particularly for the youngsters preparing to take part in the competition. The society are still very hopeful to hold their annual competition within the next few weeks depending on the forecast and the weather.

“The planned recital this evening to be given by Roddy MacLeod MBE will still go ahead in the Caladh Inn at 7.30pm.”