Although Caledonian MacBrayne regard a proposed freight ferry service between Kyle of Lochalsh and Stornoway as a non-runner, the firm says that if it did go ahead the people of Lewis would suffer.

For if Cal-Mac were to lose traffic to another company, it would cut the number of sailings and island travellers would not have such a good service.

This was the view of Cal-Mac's north-west manager, Uisdean Robertson who was commenting on speculation that a freight service might be introduced between Kyle and Stornoway.

Operator of the Kylerhea-Glenelg ferry, Roddy Macleod -- a former navigation student at Lews Castle College - is looking into whether a freight service between Kyle and Stornoway would be viable, but points out he is only at the research stage.

It is estimated that a single linkspan at Kyle would cost at least £250,000 and marshalling spaces for lorries would also have to be created.

Mr Macleod told the 'Gazette': "We are looking into this matter very closely to see if it is a viable proposition. It is at a very early stage. Unfortunately the story got out a bit too early."

He went on, "We will be finding out if road hauliers would use such a service and the cost of running it, as well as the cost of establishing a linkspan at Kyle."

Mr Macleod pointed out that he would only be looking at a freight service to Stornoway.

"I am not in the least bit interested in a service for passengers or cars," he added. "A very adequate service exists."

But he felt there was room for an additional freight service to Stornoway.

Raasay-born Mr Macleod, who was brought up in Skye, had 13 years of deep sea experience and a further 15 with the Ministry of Defence in Kyle.

"I spent two years at Lews Castle College where I got deep sea training under the expertise of Captain Kenny Macleod and Captain John Robert Mackenzie," said Mr Macleod.

Regarding the freight service becoming a reality, Mr Macleod said, "At the moment it sounds pretty good and I am quite encouraged by the response, but it is at an early stage."

Kyle councillor Bill Fulton said that he had indicated he would support the proposals suggested by Mr Macleod.

"I was asked if I would support the idea and I said I would," said Councillor Fulton. "That is as far as it has gone with me."

Of Mr Macleod, Councillor Fulton commented, "I certainly hold him in high regard. He is not prone to flights of fancy and has given it a lot of thought. If such a service could be made to work, he would be the chap who could make it work."

Councillor Fulton said that other members of Highland Region were in favour of the proposal which, he added, would benefit Stornoway and Kyle.Thirty jobs could be created by such a service, it was stated.

The railhead at Kyle was an important consideration, he felt.

"There is no reason why freight from Stornoway - salmon for instance - could not go to Kyle and be transported by rail down south and remain in its container to the Paris market. If the will is there and it is supported, such a service is possible," said Councillor Fulton.

He pointed out that on the European scene, Neil Kinnock had been pressing for more freight to travel by rail.

"This is an ideal opportunity - and there could be quite a lot of European aid funding," he added.

Councillor Fulton said he did not think that Highlands and Islands Enterprise would go against supporting a dedicated freight service with a rail connection.

He added that there were developments taking place at Kyle harbour, but there was enough land to form a linkspan.

Cal-Mac spokesman Uisdean Robertson said his company were not regarding the Kyle proposal as a great threat to their service.

"We are quite confident that the quality service we are providing is much more suited to the demands of the customers in Lewis. I don't see this Kyle company being able to compete with Cal-Mac as far as the quality of service is concerned," he said.

Mr Robertson said he had been told that the new ferry would be capable of carrying 30 articulated lorry trailers.

"If it was taking all the travelling traffic in Lewis, you would only fill it on two days a week," he added.

Mr Robertson said that when the high cost of providing a link span and marshalling area for lorries at Kyle was recognised, it would be realised it would not be cost effective to go ahead with the proposal.

But Stornoway haulier Colin Macaskill said he would welcome any service that would assist him to transport his lorries to the mainland.

"I cannot get any additional bookings on Cal-Mac and once the tourists come in the summer there will be no room for the hauliers."

Would he welcome a freight service from another company?

"Anybody with any sense would welcome this, but I would like to see the service being from Ullapool to Stornoway," said Mr Macaskill.

He said that he would be transporting twice the amount of salmon to the mainland this year than in 1996.

"Cal-Mac cannot give me provision for that, so I don't know what is going to happen. The vessel is not big enough and this was proved two or three times last year. After March, the crunch will come," he warned.

Mr Macaskill added, "I cannot get any more bookings from Cal-Mac and I can't expand my business. I welcome any newcomer starting up a freight service to the island - but, like I said, I would prefer if the boat was coming from Ullapool."

Original article Stornoway Gazette Jan 29 1997.