The last check-in for vehicle passengers travelling on the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool has reverted back to 45 minutes before departure after it was extended to an hour at the end of last year.

Angus MacNeil SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar wrote to CalMac in October to raise concerns about the extension which would lengthen the overall journey time by 15 minutes.

The check-in time remains one hour before departure in Ullapool due to traffic issues.

Mr MacNeil said: “I am very pleased that vehicle passengers travelling from Stornoway will not have to wait an extra 15 minutes in the car park due to a traffic congestion issue in Ullapool, however I would hope another solution would found to reduce the check-in at Ullapool as well.

“There is little point of faster ferries with longer check in times as it leaves travellers enduring the same length of journey as before.  Shorter check in times have to be something ferry companies aim for, after all you can fly all over Europe with a typical 30 minute check in time.  It would seem unreasonable that a ferry company wants people to park their cars in a car park for minimum of an hour before sailing.

“I would like to see the overall check-in time in all ports reduced and also give passengers the option of an online check-in service.”