Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that MV Coruisk, which was withdrawn from the Mallaig to Armadale service earlier this week has now reached the Clyde.   MV Coruisk will be dry-docked for repairs.

Initial investigations into the cause of her grounding at Mallaig on Sunday, August 24 have been ongoing. Until these investigations have been completed, the company will not be commenting on the possible outcome.

Meantime, a number of ship movements have been scheduled to redeploy elements of the fleet to maintain the Mallaig service, and this includes MV Pioneer which was due to leave the fleet this weekend.

MV Pioneer will now complete her final cruise to Tighnabruaich and back on Sunday and will then be redeployed to the Mallaig-Armadale service while MV Coruisk is in dry dock. MV Pioneer is due in Mallaig service on Wednesday morning, having had her term of duty extended to undertake temporary cover.  Further redeployments will then take place. Announcements will be made in due course.

Caledonian MacBrayne apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of the ship movements and will endeavour to resume normal services as quickly as possible.  Customers are advised to check the current position before travelling.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  Friday, August 29, 2003 : 1600