Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that several vessels are returning to service, offering a lift to island routes after a period of disruption.

One major vessel, MV Loch Seaforth, is back in operation on the Ullapool to Stornoway route following repairs to a fault on its bow door.

The vessel is now running again but with a reduced capacity, carrying 25 fewer cars per sailing while operating in a single ended mode.

There are also weather limitations in place, with services restricted to winds of up to 30 knots and wave heights of up to three metres.

Further support is on the way, with MV Glen Sannox heading into service and expected to begin operating from tomorrow.

MV Loch Frisa has completed overhaul and will return to the Oban to Craignure route, restoring a two vessel service alongside MV Coruisk.

MV Loch Bhrusda is also returning, with repairs completed and the vessel making its way back to the Sound of Harris route.

In total, three vessels that had been out of service are expected to be back in operation by tomorrow.

CalMac Chief Executive Duncan Mackison said:

“Welcoming one major vessel and two small vessels back into service is a welcome step in the right direction as we work through a challenging set of circumstances.

“There’s still disruption on a number of routes, but MV Hebrides is on track to return from planned maintenance this weekend and that will unlock a cascade of major vessels that should improve service provision to multiple islands.

“We’re working through that at pace and will publish plans later this week.”

The phased return of vessels is expected to ease pressure across the network, though some disruption remains in place for island communities relying on ferry connections.

For many routes, reliability remains the key issue, and while this marks progress, the system is still working its way back to full strength.