Passengers on a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry travelling from Isle of Skye have been evacuated after a suspicious package was reportedly discovered onboard.
Police were called to the port at Uig at around 5pm and passengers were ordered to leave the boat, which serves Lochmaddy on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides and Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. It is not yet known whether the package poses a genuine threat to the public.
CalMac had advised that the route would not run for the rest of the day as a result of the disruption. However, after the package was deemed not to be of any danger to the public, the ferry was able to continue its journey to Lochmaddy and will carry out normal services on Friday.
Have you been affected by tonight's events on Skye? Tell us about it in the comments.
The ferry operator said on Twitter: "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."
It had said earlier: "Due to an onboard emergency and knock-on delays, the 21:20 departing Uig is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice."
However a Police Scotland spokesperson later confirmed the package was not suspicious. It is understood that a call was made to cops by a concerned member of the public in good faith.
They said: “Police received a report of a package on board a ferry at Uig Ferry Terminal on Isle of Skye around 4.55pm on Thursday, 21 July, 2022.
“Enquiries were carried out and it was established that the package was not suspicious.”
Following the incident, CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said the vessel was able to continue on its journey - albeit behind schedule. He 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."
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