Sabbath sailing decision delayed

CalMac already sails to neighbouring Harris on Sundays

A decision on whether a ferry service should sail to the Isle of Lewis on Sundays has been deferred for the second time.

The controversial issue had been due to come before the board of ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne this month, having previously been postponed in December.

But CalMac confirmed the debate would not take place until at least March.

About 4,000 residents of Lewis and Harris have signed a petition against Sunday sailings.

A counter petition backing a Sunday service between Stornoway, on the traditionally Presbyterian isle, and Ullapool on the mainland has also attracted large support.

Supporters say an extended service would bring social and economic benefits to the island and that Sunday travel should be a matter of individual choice.

Air service

A seven-day service between neighbouring Harris and North Uist began last year despite local protests.

CalMac said the discussion on Sunday sailings to Lewis had been deferred while it awaits a Scottish Government decision on carrying out a study into a proposed Road Equivalent Tariffs (RET) pilot on the route.

It is believed RET could deliver low-cost ferry fares to and from the Western Isles.

The next CalMac Board meeting where Sunday sailings could be discussed is scheduled to take place during March.

In a statement, CalMac said it would be making no further comment about the issues in the meantime.

The ferry company has insisted it has no plans to introduce Sunday sailings to Lewis, but said it would consider any requests to do so.

Currently only two of the firm's routes in the area do not operate on a Sunday - the sailing between Tarbert on Harris and Uig on Skye and the crossing between Stornoway and Ullapool.

Most shops and licensed premises across Lewis close on a Sunday. There is, however, a scheduled air service to the mainland.