Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has no intention of introducing Sunday ferry sailings to Lewis. The company has also confirmed that the issue of Sunday flights to the island, confirmed by flight operator bmi (formerly British Midland) as part of their new service to Stornoway, has not affected their previously stated position.

Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that Sunday sailings have not been included in the timetable for Winter 2002-3, which is due to start, as scheduled, on October 20.

Lawrie Sinclair, CalMac Managing Director, said: “Once again, there has understandably been a good deal of interest in various issues following bmi’s confirmation of their plans for seven day a week flights to and from Stornoway.  This does not affect Caledonian MacBrayne’s previously stated position in any way. No requests for Sunday sailings to or from Lewis were received through the formal mechanism of Shipping Services Advisory Committee (North) at the meeting held in Inverness on September 5. There has therefore been no need to discuss the issue. There is no pressure on Caledonian MacBrayne to introduce Sunday sailings and it is not an issue that is brought to our attention on any regular basis by our customers.”

Mr Sinclair also confirmed that the next regular Board meeting of the company is due on Wednesday, October 30 in Portree. He added: “It is not for me to comment on the claims being made for the new service and commercial matters involving another company. Directors and Board members are made fully aware of the situation with regard to competition on all our routes and they will be receiving the normal reports from Directors which will take account of all the circumstances relating to our own business. Sunday sailing to Stornoway is simply not on the agenda at this time.”

“There is inevitably a good deal of speculation about various issues arising from announcements such as the one made by bmi. CalMac is happy to set the record straight about its current intentions. The company remains fully preoccupied with the preparation for its bid for lifeline services on the west coast and would encourage customers to focus on the opportunity offered there to take part in a constructive debate about ferry services on the west coast.”