Sunday sailing times ‘ignore religious sensitivities’

CalMac causes upset at Ullapool

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The Free Church minister at Ullapool has criticised CalMac for ignoring the wishes of Christians in the Wester Ross town when deciding the timetable of the controversial Sunday ferry to Stornoway.

The Rev Alasdair MacLeod said the ferry firm had ignored the religious sensitivities of the community, and it was evident the consultation exercise was a sham.

He said: “CalMac seem to think that only Christians in Lewis hold to the principle of the Sabbath, but many in this community are just as strong in their stance and we are disappointed but not surprised at CalMac.

“CalMac made a lot of it that they wanted to design the timetable for the Sunday sailings so as not to upset church congregations in Lewis – but they took no account of the effect on congregations at Ullapool.

“At the time the ferry comes into Ullapool, unloads and reloads to set sail again at 6.15pm, there are four congregations here either having their evening service or preparing for it.

“There are Free Church, Free Presbyterian Church, Church of Scotland and Roman Catholic church congregations worshipping here and for them the timing of the service is most insensitive.”

A CalMac spokesman said: “We are fully aware there are people with strong religious beliefs in both communities on the Stornoway/Ullapool route, but it has not been possible when taking all considerations into account to find a timetable which suited everyone and we regret any upset this may cause.”