South Uist facing 'non-stop' tourism cancellations after ferry disruption

A South Uist tourism business says they are dealing with a wave of cancellations thanks to ongoing disruption on the ferry network.

The island remains without a direct mainland ferry after CalMac said the route's usual vessel - the MV Lord of the Isles - is required to operate services elsewhere.

Archie MacLellan, who owns Uist Travel Accomodation Limited in Daliburgh, said occupancy is 17% down on expected numbers.

It comes after weeks of ferry disruption across the network, with almost a third of CalMac's fleet out of action at the start of April.

"Normally in April and May, because of repeat bookings, we are usually towards 85% occupancy," MacLellan told BBC Scotland.

"But this cancellation crosses this period and with the previous cancellations, it is down about 17% on what we would expect."

MacLellan said his business is self-catering so his customers often eat in local restaurants and cafes and the "non-stop cancellations" are likely to have consequences across the island.

"Not only does it affect ourselves with employing staff - we can't give our staff hours if there is no one there - the rest of the economy is suffering because the people are not coming in," he added.

On Thursday, CalMac announced that two of its major vessels - the MV Hebrides and MV Lord of the Isles - were due back in service by Monday.

But the ongoing absence of MV Isle of Arran means CalMac is unable to provide a service between Mallaig on the mainland and Lochboisdale on South Uist, as the MV Lord of the Isles is required on the Islay route.

CalMac said the services remain cancelled up to and including 17 May.

The ferry operator said an enhanced timetable on the Sound of Barra is in place so people on South Uist can connect with the Oban-Barra route to get to and from the mainland.

It said customers who pay more to travel this route but would usually travel from Mallaig to Lochboisdale can claim back the difference in cost.

"I think it's completely unacceptable," MacLellan said. "It clearly shows the contempt for South Uist."

He added that CalMac need to "think outside of the box" and suggested combining the Barra and South Uist routes to give each island seven sailings per week.

"The cancellations are quantifiable but the damage to reputation is unseen," MacLellan said.

"Someone who wants to go to the Western Isles or complete the island chain might end up missing us out altogether - as has happened in the past - because they can't do that leg."

CalMac's chief executive officer Duncan Mackison said the situation is "fast-moving" but the return of two major vessels has helped to bring many services back to normal.

"Though we are not out of the woods yet, we're in a relatively stable position and are hopeful that things will continue to improve," he said.

"We're grateful to the patience, support and understanding we've had from islanders in recent weeks during this period of widespread disruption."