With high demand for vehicle bookings on ferries to the Outer Hebrides, it makes sense to travel as a foot passenger and then use scheduled bus services to get around the islands.
Calmac’s MV Loch Seaforth has been in service for 10 years on the very popular Ullapool- Stornoway service across the Minch and has capacity for 700 passengers, 143 cars and carries a crew of 41. This demand peaks in the Summer, particularly around the time of the ‘Hebcelt’ music festival when extra crossings are provided which connect with additional Citylink coaches to and from Inverness.
The Ullapool ferry terminal has a height adjustable passenger gangway which allows quick and easy step free access from the modern departure lounge to the passenger lounges on the vessel.
The Stornoway end is problematical. When the ferry arrives at its berth, an announcement states that ‘Due to a technical fault, foot passengers are required to wait in the café until all vehicles have been offloaded and then disembark via the car deck.’ This typically involves waiting an extra 20-30 minutes on the vessel, then carrying luggage down 2 flights of stairs, walking out over the linkspan then via an improvised temporary walkway ramp up to the original route to the terminal building.
The existing passenger gangway has been unfit for use for over 18 months. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) transportation and infrastructure chair has called on the Stornoway Port Authority to provide the public with a clear timetable for its full restoration. The council’s stated concern is that ‘The passenger access system has gone from state of the art to rudimentary and that this situation cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely.’
Stornoway Port Authority have released the following update:
Works continue to progress on the development of a bespoke replacement for the harbour’s existing Passenger Access System (PAS). Following detailed engineering investigations, the original PAS is beyond economic repair after suffering catastrophic failure across multiple components. Independent experts concluded that even a full repair would not provide the safety or long-term reliability required
Due to the unique challenges presented by the MV Loch Seaforth’s fixed shell door and Stornoway’s wide tidal range, no off-the-shelf solution exists. The proposed system is a bespoke design, developed with a focus on long-term safety, resilience and accessibility. Designs have now been developed and are moving towards tender stage and building warrant submission.
The Port completely understand and share the frustration regarding the PAS being out of use.
This has been a complex situation subject to ongoing legal and commercial discussions, which complicates the operational aspects of the failure.
Stornoway Port continue to be focused on keeping passengers safe, keeping services running and finding the right long-term solution. The Port continues to work closely with CalMac and Ullapool Harbour to maintain smooth operations. Measures — including a dedicated luggage van and passenger assistance — remain in place and CalMac staff are on hand to assist foot passengers.
Regular safety checks are also carried out on the current temporary access route.
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