This story has been updated. See the bottom of the page for the latest news.
A FERRY to the Western Isles has been evacuated amid a bomb scare.
The MV Hebrides, which shuttles between Uig on Skye, Lochmaddy on North Uist, and Tarbet on the Isle of Harris, has been grounded and the incident is ongoing.
Police confirmed that a suspicious package had been reported on the vessel just before 5pm on Thursday.
The National understands that surrounding boats in the harbour at Uig were also evacuated.
CalMac said they were unable to provide any details of the incident as police are dealing with the situation.
Just after 6pm, the ferry company tweeted: “Due to an onboard emergency and knock-on delays, the 21.20 departing Uig is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.”
Earlier, CalMac's service info page had also posted: "Due to an onboard emergency, the 16:45 departing Uig is currently delayed. A further update will be provided when available."
The amber warnings which had accompanied those posts were later upgraded to red, with all sailings cancelled and an update not expected until Friday 22.
❌ RED #Uig #Tarbert #Lochmaddy 21Jul Due to an onboard emergency and awaiting emergency services, all remaining sailings are cancelled. There will be an update provided for service on Friday 22nd July as soon as possible.
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) July 21, 2022
CalMac wrote: "Due to an onboard emergency and awaiting emergency services, all remaining sailings are cancelled. There will be an update provided for service on Friday 22nd July as soon as possible."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said. “Police received a report of a suspicious package on board a ferry at Uig Ferry Terminal on Isle of Skye around 4.55pm on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
“Officers are in attendance and the ferry has been evacuated. Enquiries are ongoing.”
UPDATE:
At around 8:35pm Police Scotland issued a statement saying that the alert had been called off after enquiries concluded.
A spokesperson said the alarm had been raised with good intent.
They went on: “Police received a report of a package on board a ferry at Uig Ferry Terminal on Isle of Skye around 4.55pm on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
“Enquiries were carried out and it was established that the package was not suspicious.”
Later that evening, CalMac Managing Director Robbie Drummond said: “Due to a suspicious package found onboard the MV Hebrides this afternoon, passengers were evacuated and the emergency services were contacted. Police attended the scene and have now determined that the package is not suspicious.
“I wish to put on record my personal thanks to the CalMac staff for their first rate response in dealing with this situation and the emergency services for their prompt response and their invaluable assistance.
“I would also like to thank the passengers for their cooperation during this incident.
“The vessel will continue on its journey to Lochmaddy tonight and will resume normal service on Friday morning.”
