Ferry passengers left stranded on Isle of Gigha after services cancelled
Operator CalMac said they were forced to cancel sailings on the MV Loch Ranza due to issues with its bilge system.
The ferry has served the small island community of Gigha from the port of Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula for three decades, carrying 200 passengers and 12 cars per crossing.
On Wednesday, passengers, including elderly and young children, expecting to travel past 5.30pm were left stranded on the Hebridean island.
Locals on the island opened up a cafe offering emergency food, accommodation, and medical staff stepped in to prescribe emergency medication to those impacted.
An update on CalMac's service page on Thursday morning confirmed that the service remained suspended 'until further notice'. STV News Around 50 passengers were left stranded. STV News
A bilge repair involves maintenance to the lowest part of the boat's hull, or in the bilge system that removes water from the vessel.
Engineers are understood to be repairing the vessel while foot passengers are being transported by a smaller craft from Tayinloan to the mainland.
A further update is to be issued at around 11.30am.
CalMac have been contacted for comment.
🔶 AMBER #Tayinloan #Gigha 14Aug Engineers are continuing to work on a repair to MV Loch Ranza and an update will be provided at approximately 11:30. — CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) August 14, 2025
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