Caledonian MacBrayne yesterday confirmed that it will defer a decision on whether to introduce a Sunday sailing to and from the traditionally sabbatarian island of Lewis.

Caledonian MacBrayne yesterday confirmed that it will defer a decision on whether to introduce a Sunday sailing to and from the traditionally sabbatarian island of Lewis.

However, when a decision is made it will be for commercial reasons, CalMac said.

The company has received thousands of representations for and against seven-day services between Stornoway and Ullapool.

These will be considered at a meeting of the CalMac board to be held in Corpach today. But, as The Herald predicted on Monday, directors will not decide on these requests, pending clarification of the Scottish Government's proposals for a Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pilot on at least one Western Isles route.

RET is intended to bring ferry fares more into line with the costs of motoring the equivalent distance on land, but uncertainty over how a pilot will work has left CalMac unable to decide on Sunday sailings.

Peter Timms, CalMac's chairman, said: "There are many complex issues involved, including costs, potential demand, capacity on and off the island, and working arrangements.

"This is an operational matter for the company and the final decision will be made on a commercial basis as to whether we would be able to afford to improve services."