The island of Harris will have no ferry for three months in 2021 because of upgrade work on the pier at Uig, Skye.
Ferry traffic on the Skye triangle route which connects Tarbert, Harris with Skye and Uist faces disruption when the pier at Uig is out of action in autumn next year.
The closure will last for around three months from September 2021 for a new linkspan to be installed and infrastructure upgraded for the promised, but delayed new ferry.
The North Uist ferry will sail between Lochmaddy and Ullapool during this period.
Tarbert passengers and traffic will have to use the Stornoway to Ullapool service, with additional capacity being provided on the route.
Tenders for the work will be returned shortly and contractors have been asked to supply details about the duration of the work, which is currently being estimated at around 12 weeks.
The timing of the work has been determined to coincide with the lowest carrying levels to minimise disruption.
The arrangements have been agreed by CalMac and the rest of the Skye triangle Infrastructure Steering Group as the best option available to minimise disruption.
CalMac’s operations’ director, Robert Morrison, said: “While this closure is some time away, we are keen to engage with customers as early as possible to understand their requirements.
“This will ensure a detailed service continuity plan in development is reflective of their needs and allow us to communicate alternative service arrangements as early as possible.”
CalMac will be setting up community information events in the coming months to keep customers informed of alternative timetable arrangements.
