CalMac is putting its newest ferry to work on one of its busiest routes as thousands of music fans prepare to travel to the Isle of Lewis for this year’s HebCelt Festival.
From Monday 13 July until Saturday 18 July, MV Glen Sannox will operate alongside MV Loch Seaforth on the Ullapool to Stornoway route, adding a third daily return sailing and creating more than 10,000 additional passenger spaces during festival week.
The temporary timetable is designed to cope with increased demand as visitors from across Scotland, Ireland and further afield make their way to one of the Highlands and Islands’ biggest annual cultural events.
MV Glen Sannox can carry up to 852 passengers, 127 cars or 16 heavy goods vehicles, while MV Loch Seaforth already operates two daily return crossings carrying up to 700 passengers, 143 cars or 20 commercial vehicles on each sailing.
The additional service, known as the “HebCelt Special”, will depart Stornoway at 10am each day before returning from Ullapool at 2pm.
The extra sailings are expected to benefit not only festival goers but also local businesses, accommodation providers and island communities by increasing travel capacity during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Peter Griffiths, Head of Brand Marketing at CalMac, said:
“HebCelt is one of the highlights of the summer calendar and we’re happy to help by providing more than 10,000 additional passenger spaces on the Ullapool to Stornoway route during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
“The deployment of MV Glen Sannox alongside MV Loch Seaforth will help festivalgoers travel to and from Lewis while ensuring local residents, businesses and commercial customers can continue to travel with confidence.
“We’re pleased to play our part in helping visitors experience everything HebCelt has to offer while maintaining vital connections for the communities we serve.”
Demand for tickets has continued to grow ahead of the festival, with organisers opening their Stornoway ticket shop this week to meet increased interest in Thursday, Friday and Saturday events.
This year’s programme features headline performances from The Saw Doctors, The Mary Wallopers, Mànran, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos, Fara, Colin Macleod, Michelle McManus and many more, alongside family entertainment, the King’s Baton Relay and an expanded VIP area.
HebCelt Artist Programmer Michelle Shields said:
“We’re absolutely over the moon and so very grateful that the CalMac team are pulling out all the stops to ensure as many people as possible get the chance to join our party.
“With The Mary Wallopers on Friday and The Saw Doctors on Saturday, we’re expecting a real influx of fans coming from Ireland this year, alongside those who travel not just from across Scotland, but from all over the world.
“Mànran will be a real highlight, as will the likes of Colin Macleod, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos, Fara, Rachel Groves, Kirsteen Harvey, The Tumbling Souls, Calum MacColl and Michelle McManus, to name just a few.
“Having the Glen Sannox sailing alongside Loch Seaforth is a real boost in confidence for the festival and the entire town, and makes it so much easier and more relaxed to come and go.
“It’s going to feel extra special making that sailing across The Minch, and we can’t wait to welcome people back to Stornoway for what promises to be a brilliant event.”
The additional ferry capacity is expected to make travelling to this year’s HebCelt Festival easier than ever, with thousands set to cross The Minch for another celebration of music, culture and island life.
