RED PRINCESS

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CalMac charters replacement vessel following damage to ferry

TOURISTS to a Scottish island face stowing their vehicles on a cargo ship and travelling by ferry as part of moves to ensure holidays go ahead amid a shortage of vessels. Holidaymakers visiting the Island of Islay have faced delays and disruption after operator CalMac was forced to withdraw one of its ferries when it hit a pier. The Islay ferry service has been reduced to just one vessel since Saturday after the MV Hebridean Isles was suspended. CalMac has now chartered a freight vessel to ferry car traffic from Kennacraig to Islay and back to ease congestion on the route while the vessel is being repaired. “This is a stop-gap to minimise disruption where possible; we are endeavouring to get everyone to Islay and back who wants to go,” said CalMac’s operations director, Drew Collier. The ferry operator said the cargo ship – called the Red Princess – will not sail on the original timetable and passengers would have to rendez-vous with the vehicle later. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/14650495.Island_visitors_face_stowing_vehicles_on_cargo_ship_then_travelling_separately_by_ferry/