CalMac has announced additional sailings to support visitors travelling to and from Islay’s Fèis Ìle this May and June.
Extra sailings will now go ahead at the beginning and the end of the annual festival so as many people as possible can get to and back from the event.
Initially, the loss of MV Caledonian Isles elsewhere in the network meant additional sailings were not going to be possible, but thanks to the hard work of the ferry operator’s teams and consultation with communities, a solution has now been found, although it does mean timetables to other islands have been temporarily altered to make it possible.
Booking systems are being updated and tickets will be available to book by March 30. Anyone affected by altered timetables will be contacted by CalMac’s port teams in due course.
Director of Strategy and Change for CalMac Pauline Blackshaw said: “We have been liaising regularly with the fèis organisers and the Scottish Whisky Association about issues with capacity, and I am pleased that we have managed to find a solution thanks to a lot of work from our teams.
“However, as our service is stretched to its absolute limit, these additional sailings have only been made possible by altering services on other routes.
"I am sorry for any disruption this may cause to customers, and we are most grateful for their understanding.
“The network, and particularly Islay, will soon benefit from new vessels which will help to provide the resilient service communities deserve. Until they are operational, we will continue to do whatever we can to provide a reliable service.”
The changes are:
Kennacraig – Port Ellen, Islay
An additional two return sailings will operate on May 25 and June 1 between Kennacraig and Port Ellen.
Oban – Port Askaig, Islay
An additional sailing will operate between Oban – Port Askaig on May 25 and May 26 and June 1 and 2.
Oban – Colonsay
An amended timetable will be in place for sailings between Oban-Colonsay on May 25 and June 1. This will be operated by MV Clansman to allow MV Hebridean Isles to deliver additional capacity to Islay.
Oban – Craignure, Mull
An amended timetable will operate between Oban-Craignure, Mull on May 24 and May 25 and June 1 and June 2 while MV Isle of Mull is deployed on the Oban-Port Askaig, Islay service. The Oban – Craignure service will be operated by MV Loch Frisa and MV Coruisk during those two weekends.
Mallaig – Armadale, Skye
An amended timetable will operate on this service on May 24 and May 25, May 31, then June 1, June 2 and June 3 while MV Coruisk supports services to Mull. MV Loch Fyne will continue to deliver a normal service on this route during this time.
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