Reviews & Ratings for the Loch-Portain

The ferry 'Loch Portain', which operates on the Berneray to Leverburgh route, was taken out of service from July 10 to July 19. This decision comes as part of ongoing investigations into persistent gearbox problems. These issues led to the cancellation of two sailings on July 9: the departure from Berneray at 5:20 PM and from Leverburgh at 6:30 PM. To ensure continued service during this period, the 'Glen Sannox' was dispatched from Stornoway to cover the inter-island route. Following this, on July 13, the 'Loch Brushda' was scheduled to assume the service. However, as it was unable to navigate to the Sound of Harris, the 'Glen Sannox' remained in service to facilitate inter-island trips. Additionally, the passenger charter vessel 'Pabbay Lass' adjusted its schedule to accommodate travelers during this time. For the latest service updates, visit the CalMac website.

On June 27, the 'Loch Portain', which operates on the Berneray - Leverburgh route, encountered a technical malfunction affecting one of its engines, necessitating further investigation. As a result, several sailings were canceled, including the 2:30 p.m. departure from Berneray and the 3:45 p.m. departure from Leverburgh. The vessel was subjected to weather restrictions until thorough repairs could be executed. Due to this engine issue, combined with adverse weather conditions, additional sailings were also impacted: - Departures from Berneray at 08:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - Departures from Leverburgh at 09:35 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. Fortunately, the engine complications on the 'Loch Portain' were resolved by June 28, allowing the ferry to resume operations at 4:30 p.m. However, the situation required ongoing maintenance and investigations concerning the newly installed main engines and gearboxes. This led to further cancellations from June 29 through July 3: - Departure from Berneray at 12:00 p.m. - Departure from Leverburgh at 1:15 p.m. To accommodate the maintenance needs of the 'Loch Portain', the spare ferry, 'Glen Sannox,' stepped in and operated modified sailings, including: - Departure from Stornoway at 2:00 p.m. - Arrival at Ullapool at 4:45 p.m. - Departure from Ullapool at 5:45 p.m. - Arrival at Stornoway at 8:30 p.m.

On June 19, the ferry 'Loch Portain', which operates between Berneray and Leverburgh, underwent critical maintenance and investigations focused on its newly installed main engines and gearboxes. As a result, several sailings were impacted and subsequently canceled, including: - Berneray to Leverburgh at 2:30 p.m. - Leverburgh to Berneray at 3:45 p.m. In addition, the following sailings originally scheduled for June 24 have also been canceled: - Berneray at 12:00 p.m. - Leverburgh at 1:15 p.m. Travelers are advised to check for updates and plan alternative arrangements during this maintenance period.

On June 4, the ferry 'Loch Portain', operating the vital Berneray to Leverburgh route, encountered a technical malfunction that necessitated thorough investigations. As a result, several sailings were cancelled, including the departures from Berneray at 2:30 p.m. and 5:20 p.m., as well as the departures from Leverburgh at 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Passengers are advised to stay updated on service announcements and potential rescheduling.

On May 18, the ferry 'Loch Portain', which operates between Berneray and Leverburgh, encountered a significant gearbox problem with its main engine. This mechanical setback necessitated a modification in service due to restrictive weather conditions, leading to potential disruptions or cancellations of the ferry timetable. In response to the situation, a revised schedule was established, featuring departures from Berneray at 07:15 a.m., 10:25 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5:20 p.m., while departures from Leverburgh were set for 08:25 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 2:45 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. To address the gearbox issue, engineers are slated to inspect the vessel on May 27. Fortunately, the technical difficulties were resolved, enabling the ferry to return to its normal operations starting May 28.

On May 18, the ferry 'Loch Portain', which operates between Berneray and Leverburgh, experienced technical difficulties due to a malfunction in the main engine gearbox. As a result, the vessel is now navigating under restricted weather conditions, which may lead to potential disruptions or cancellations of its service during adverse weather situations. Passengers are advised to check for updates regarding schedules.

The ferry 'Loch Portain', which typically navigates the Berneray - Leverburgh route, has experienced a setback in its return after undergoing routine maintenance at Dales Marine Services in Greenock. The vessel has been in the yard since February 23, 2026, and its scheduled return has been delayed. Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the smaller ferry 'Loch Bhrusda' has been temporarily serving the route starting March 23 and continuing until May 11. For more details, visit the official timetable at http://calm.ac/23.

The 'Loch Portain', which operates on the Berneray-Leverburgh route, has been running on an adjusted schedule due to damage sustained to its lift motor. This amended timetable was in effect through June 22 to ensure that crew members could adequately assist passengers requiring special aid while adhering to mandated crew rest periods. On June 11, the ferry's lift control system was successfully replaced, addressing the earlier identified malfunction. However, during subsequent operational testing, an unrelated motor failure occurred, necessitating the lift's continued out-of-service status until the arrival of a replacement part. After repairs were completed on June 17, the ferry was able to accommodate previously booked essential traffic, but the modified timetable remained in effect on June 18. Fortunately, beginning June 19, the 'Loch Portain' is set to resume its normal schedule.

The 'Loch Portain', which operates the Berneray-Leverburgh route, entered Dales Marine Services' dry dock in Greenock on June 3 for essential repairs to its propulsion units. The dry dock period was anticipated to last until June 9, during which the ferry 'Loch Bhrusda' was assigned to maintain service on the route. Following successful repairs, the 'Loch Portain' set sail from Greenock on June 8, heading back to Gourock. The ferry was scheduled to return to its regular service on June 10, with its first departure from Berneray at 5:20 p.m. Consequently, 'Loch Bhrusda' operated under a revised timetable during this period. For updates on the amended schedule, please visit: http://calm.ac/23.

CalMac has announced significant adjustments to the timetable for the Berneray-Leverburgh ferry route due to ongoing issues with the lift aboard the MV Loch Portain. These changes will remain in effect until May 29, ensuring that the crew can provide necessary assistance to passengers while adhering to mandated crew rest periods. Replacement parts for the lift have been ordered, and travelers with accessibility needs are encouraged to pre-book their journeys and inform the operator of any additional support they may require. In case of an emergency, it’s important to note that passengers will need to exit the ferry through lounges located two flights up from the car deck, with toilet facilities conveniently situated in the passenger lounge. For those who cannot navigate stairs, CalMac recommends utilizing the Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy service as an alternative. Following the temporary adjustments, the Loch Portain is scheduled to dock from May 30 to June 8 for necessary repairs to its propulsion unit. During this maintenance period, the MV Loch Bhrusda will take over operations on this route. For further details, including the revised timetable, please check the official CalMac website: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/travel/service-changes/bern-lev-amended-timetable/#/