Ferry confusion mounts as Campbeltown left in limbo over 2026 service

Mr Eagle described the situation as an “ongoing ferry shambles”, adding: “Local people and business owners deserve far better than this continued uncertainty. 

“They need to be able to plan their lives and make business decisions without worrying whether the ferry service is going to be running, or not.”

A spokeswoman for CalMac remained cautious about the immediate future of the route, citing the same pressures that led to the October cancellation notice.

“We understand the value of this service but based on current vessel availability, we have not been able to plan a Campbeltown service for the summer 2026 period,” she said. 

“However, we are committed to working with Transport Scotland and the local community to look at this again if fleet pressures ease and suitable vessels become available.”

Despite the mixed signals regarding this year, a meeting held on Wednesday between the Campbeltown Ferry Committee and the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity has offered fresh hope.

Crucially, the meeting revealed that the Scottish Government has expressed a “total commitment” to a full return of the service in 2027.

Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto, who facilitated the meeting, said afterwards: “The importance of the Campbeltown ferry service for my constituents cannot be overstated and so I am extremely grateful to the Minister for taking the time to meet with the local ferry committee on Wednesday.

“I know that the Minister entirely recognises the economic importance of this route and is looking at all options to make the delivery of a service viable this summer.

“With new vessels entering service in the CalMac fleet this year we will see greater overall resilience in the fleet and I will do all I can to work with the ferry committee and the Minister to help deliver a full return of this service in 2027.”

Campbeltown Ferry Committee members John Armour and Ewen MacDonald, who attended the meeting, described the discussions as “very positive”.

They said: “We were pleased to meet with the Minister and were delighted to hear that he is totally committed to the Campbeltown to Ardrossan service returning in 2027. 

“We were also pleased to hear that a service may be possible at some point during the summer of 2026. However, that will depend on the availability of vessels when new ferries come into service.”

The committee noted that, due to the changing nature of the situation, no formal planning or marketing for a 2026 service will take place until vessel availability is confirmed later in the year.

They added: “We look forward to a full return of the service in 2027 and, if things go in our favour, the possibility of something this year.

“The committee is very grateful to Jenni Minto MSP for arranging the meeting and for fully supporting the committee in discussions.”