New calls for Sunday sailings

Published on Thursday 27 September 2007 01:03

THE prospect of Sunday sailings to Lewis moved closer yesterday as ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne discussed new calls for the crossings.

As revealed in The Scotsman, a new campaign has been mounted supporting seven-day sailings to the island.

It is believed a petition with 500 signatures plus 120 other communications in support of the move have been received, compared with just 30 against.

The CalMac board, which met yesterday, now plans to discuss the issue with groups, including Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) - which is against Sunday sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool. The issue will be discussed again in November.

Donald Manford, the council's transport chairman, said: "Clearly Caledonian MacBrayne has upped the ante on Sunday ferry sailings. The policy position remains one of opposition to the introduction of ferry services on the Stornoway-Ullapool route."

Lewis has so far resisted Sunday ferries, although a seven-day service to neighbouring Harris began last year.