Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the new winter Sunday service between Uig and Lochmaddy, due to start in October, will go ahead as planned.

Following a meeting between councillors from Harris, North Uist, the Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transportation Committee and officials in Stornoway, the following statement was agreed:

“Due consideration will be given to the sensitivities of the community of Harris in the operation of the repositioning run between Tarbert, Harris and Lochmaddy, to enable CalMac to fulfil its commitment to providing a new winter Sunday service between Uig and Lochmaddy from October 2004. The final decision on sailings will remain an ongoing operational mater for the Company.”

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said after the meeting that full consideration had been given to the views of all the communities concerned and other interested parties. CalMac confirmed once again that the weekend repositioning sailing between Tarbert and Lochmaddy will be for operational reasons only and will not be carrying traffic. It will not be timetabled and the precise time of departure and arrival of the repositioning run will be at the Company’s discretion.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Services, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued:  June 15, 2004  : 0900