[ We’ll be keeping this post pinned to the top and updated as soon as we are aware of any changes to the rapidly-developing situation. ]

Carrick – The Blue House, remans open for business! However …

Starting a couple of days ago, Calmac aren’t accepting new bookings for sailings before July 15th, services operating until then on a turn-up-and-go basis.  The ferries to and from Uist, including inter-island services, are operating to normal schedules, albeit with fewer passengers and vehicles wanting to travel.

Yesterday, however, the Scottish Government announced that ferries to the Outer Hebrides will, until further notice, be limited to carrying only persons who are permanent residents of the islands, or key service workers !

Flights to Uist have been combined with the Stornoway – Glasgow service, but flights are nonetheless operating on a daily basis. These are currently operating without restrictions, but it is reasonable to expect that, quite soon, restrictions similar to those imposed today on the ferry services, will be applied also to air travel to and from the Outer Hebrides.

These measures have been introduced in response to what might be termed Coronavirus Refugees coming to the islands, and risking bringing the disease to a population that, due to its relative isolation, normally has a low resistance and immunity to diseases that are commonplace on the mainland.  There are not the resources here to deal with the consequences of such an invasion.

At present, the islands are still free of any confirmed cases of Covid-19.

We’re continuing to accept new bookings, subject to the following (which will be kept under review) –

• For arrivals before the last full weekend in October 2020 (the end of Calmac’s summer timetable), it is essential to phone (+44 1878 700828) or email to discuss your requirements, and if appropriate we will take your booking and payment over the phone.
  We will give priority to anyone seconded to Uist to work in the NHS and other essential services ;
  For others, and in particular those who are not permanent residents of the Outer Hebrides, we may ask for evidence that you will be permitted to travel to and from the islands.
• For arrivals on or after the last full weekend in October 2020 (the start of Calmac’s winter timetable), our online booking system will operate as usual.

[Updated 2020-03-23 15:50:59]