Reviews & Ratings for the Loch-Portain

**Title: Gearbox Trouble Strikes the 'Loch Portain' Ferry** On May 18, the 'Loch Portain', which operates on the Berneray to Leverburgh route, encountered a malfunction in its main engine gearbox. This technical setback has necessitated operational adjustments, compelling the ferry to operate under specific weather constraints. As a result, passengers should be aware that service disruptions or cancellations may occur during adverse weather conditions.

**Title: Delayed Return of 'Loch Portain' Affects Ferry Services** The 'Loch Portain', a crucial ferry on the Berneray - Leverburgh route, has experienced a setback in its return from its annual overhaul, which has been taking place at Dales Marine Services in Greenock since February 23, 2026. This unexpected delay has led to the deployment of the smaller vessel, 'Loch Bhrusda', which has been servicing the route from March 23 until May 11. For the latest timetable and details, visit http://calm.ac/23.

Due to an issue with the lift of the 'Loch Portain', serving on the route Berneray-Leverburgh, an amended timetable was operated up to and including June 22 to allow the crew to support passengers who require assistance and meets statutory requirements for crew hours of rest. Onm June 11, the lift control system has been replaced, rectifying the previously identified failure. During operational testing, a motor unrelated to the control system failed. As a result of this, the lift has to remain out of service until the spare part has been delivered. After the lift was repaired on June 17, to allow previous essential booked traffic to travel, the amended timetable will continue to operate on June 18. The normal published timetable was to be operated again from June 19.

The 'Loch Portain', serving on the route Berneray-Leverburgh, left Gourock and has entered a dry dock of the Dales Marine Services in Greenock on June 3 in order to carry out works on the vessel propulsion units. During this period, which was expectred to last until June 9, the ferry 'Loch Bhrusda' was inserted to operate on the route. The 'Loch Portain' departed from Greenock again after completion of repairs on June 8, en route to Gourock. The 'Loch Portain' was expected to resume its service on June 10 with the 5:20 p.m. sailing departing Berneray. As a result of this, the 'Loch Bhrusda' was operating an amended timetable: http://calm.ac/23

Due to the lift of the 'Loch Portain' still being out of order, CalMac have amended the Berneray-Leverburgh timetable until May 29. This amended timetable allows the crew to support passengers who require assistance, and meets statutory requirements for crew hours of rest. Replacement parts have been ordered for the lift. Passengers with accessibility requirements were asked to book their travel in advance and make the operator aware of any support they may require. The emergency evacuation procedure requires passengers to exit via the lounges that are two flights up from the car deck. Toilet facilities are also located in the passenger lounge. If accessing the vessel via stairs is not suitable, passengers were asked to travel on the Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy service. The 'Loch Portain' will locate to dock on May 30 until June 8 to complete works on the vessel propulsion unit. During this period, the 'Loch Bhrusda' will operate on this route. Please see timetable here: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/travel/service-changes/bern-lev-amended-timetable/#/