Scottish Liberal Democrats have criticised the removal of ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale over the Easter period after confirmation that the route will be left without sailings for more than two weeks.
CalMac has confirmed that no vessels will operate the crossing between 27 March and 11 April 2026 as ferries are redeployed elsewhere across the network.
The route links Mallaig on the mainland with Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula of Skye and has served communities on Scotland’s west coast since the early 1900s.
The crossing is widely known as the Over the Sea to Skye route and is a key link for residents, businesses and visitors travelling between the mainland and the island.
The suspension of services falls during the Easter holidays, a period many west coast businesses depend on as the tourism season begins to build.
Local leaders in Mallaig and Sleat have warned that losing the service during this time could harm fragile rural economies and undermine confidence in the route.
The disruption comes as ferry capacity across the west coast continues to be stretched while vessels are moved between routes to cover maintenance and operational pressures.
Two vessels expected to operate the route this summer, the Loch Bhrusda and the Coruisk, may also be redeployed at short notice if other parts of the network require cover.
That possibility has created uncertainty for communities that rely on the crossing as a daily transport link.
Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross shire, said the situation risks serious consequences for west coast communities.
“Do the Scottish Government have any idea what damage they have done to remote west coast communities by not commissioning replacement ferries?
“The Mallaig, Arisaig and South Sleat communities will be massively impacted already by having not one but both their ferries taken off the Mallaig to Armadale route.
“Easter holidays are crucial for the local hospitality and retail industry.
“Mallaig businesses are already worrying about delays to the recommencement of the Jacobite steam train, with health and safety requirements now insisting on central door locking.
“I wrote to the Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop a month ago about the aged, cold and tired ScotRail train that travels out of Mallaig and haven’t heard back.
“I’m sure the ferry issue is waiting in her in tray too.
“She is due to step down in May and I can only assume she has clocked off already.
“I have approached CalMac for an explanation for this disastrous redeployment.
“My constituents do not deserve being left high and dry.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Andrew Baxter said the disruption reflected wider challenges facing transport infrastructure across the Highlands.
“Connectivity in the West is essential, yet our roads, rail services and ferries are all in a terrible state.
“Transport Scotland has a budget of £3.5 billion.
“What is for sure is that it’s not being spent in the Highlands.
“This disruption is the latest example of the long running ferries crisis, which has seen ageing vessels remain in service while replacement ships are delayed.
“We need to get Scotland moving again.
“In Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch it will be a two horse race between the SNP and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
“If I am elected in May, I will be a tireless campaigner for new boats and better transport links up and down the west coast.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP said island and coastal communities deserve more reliable ferry services.
“Islanders and coastal communities have paid the price for the failure of the Scottish Government to provide the ferries they need, manage maintenance properly and procure new vessels on time or on budget.
“They deserve better than SNP ministers who have shown they don’t understand local needs and cannot be trusted with lifeline links.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats will end the ferries fiasco through a new Ferries Bill that guarantees vessels are replaced in time, gives communities a real say over how services are run and delivers proper compensation for the disruption they have suffered.”
