Caledonian MacBrayne’s MV Finlaggan recently (Sunday January 11) came to the assistance of the community on the Isle of Harris. The island had been without power for approaching 48 hours.
Opening up her gangway to members of the community from 4-8pm, the Master, Barry Scott, and his crew of MV Finlaggan welcomed approximately 50 local residents on board and provided hot drinks and filled rolls, as well as offering them the chance to take a shower. Some who were aboard took hot water and food back to those who could not venture out, and also took the opportunity to re-charge mobile devices in case the telephone network was restored.
Meanwhile the ship’s Chief Engineer and 2nd Engineer were able to apply their technical expertise at a local hotel, wiring an emergency generator to supply power.
“The Master and crew of MV Finlaggan were pleased to be able to support the relief efforts,” said duty operations manager Finlay MacRae. “A hot drink, some food and a shower hopefully provided some respite, and thanks, too, to our engineering colleagues from Finlaggan, whose assistance in connecting a generator helped the pierside hotel to assist with relief efforts for the wider community.”
Further information about Caledonian MacBrayne is available at www.calmac.co.uk
