CalMac pick up stranded passengers eventually

Published on Monday 2 August 2010 13:56

HUNDREDS of festival goers left stranded on an island when a ferry broke down have finally made it back to the mainland.

The MV Clansman, operated by state-owned Caledonian MacBrayne, developed problems on Saturday night on its first weekend back in service after around six weeks of repairs for a separate issue.

The vessel, which had previously suffered problems in its starboard engine, developed a fault in its port engine about 20 miles south of Barra on Saturday evening. It had to return to Oban without passengers for repairs and a service at 9.20am on Sunday was cancelled.

The fault disrupted the travel plans of hundreds of music lovers who had been on the Hebridean island for Barra Fest – Live @ the Edge on Friday and Saturday.

About 80 foot passengers were able to board the smaller MV Lochnevis which was sent from Mallaig at 9.30am on Sunday to pick up a load of shellfish which needed to get from Barra to the mainland.

The small car ferry MV Loch Alainn was also used to take some cars from Barra to Eriskay from where they could cross the causeway into South Uist.

But others had to wait until the Clansman was back in service, sailing from Oban at 7.30pm on Sunday, and returning with 270 passengers at 6am yesterday.

A company spokesman apologised for the disruption. He said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are grateful for everyone's patience and understanding while repairs to the MV Clansman were carried out.

"The timing, so close to the earlier difficulties, is clearly regrettable, but the two breakdowns were unconnected and we did everything we could to minimise disruption. putting on extra sailings where possible."

Gillian Hamill, one of the organisers of Barra Fest, said both islanders and visitors were left frustrated by the breakdown.

She said a number of bands playing at the event were unable to leave Barra for work on Monday or to go to other gigs.

"It has been a big problem the Clansman being out of action this summer and tourism on the island has suffered, though they did deploy another ferry.

"This weekend it was a great sight seeing the Clansman come in on Friday night and we were all delighted and had high hopes."

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has raised concerns over the service with CalMac and is to discuss the issue with transport minister Stewart Stevenson.

Dr Allan said: "I can imagine the immense frustration of many people in Barra at this time. When everyone expected the Clansman to be functioning normally following a prolonged absence it broke down once more during the busiest time of the year for travel to and from the island.

"This is more than just a ferry for Barra, it is a lifeline link. When there are major problems like this it has a huge effect on the economy of the island, particularly on tourism".