Caledonian MacBrayne’s season of summer cruises steps up a gear this weekend with the first of a series of sailings to some of Scotland most scenic views of ancient castles.

Dunnollie and Dunstaffnage Castles are the destinations for the first of the cruises which leaves Oban tomorrow (Friday, July 19) at 1130. The route will take passengers via the Lynne of Lorn to the North of Lismore and famous Castle Stalker; passing Castle Shuna sail south via the Lynne of Morven to Craignure, passing Coeffin, Glensanda and Achaduin Castles.

The cruise will return to Oban for 1500 by way of Duart, Torosay and Gylen Castles and the Sound of Kerrera.

Ian Fox, CalMac route Manager in Oban responsible for the cruises said: “We have had an encouraging response to our other cruises this summer so far and the introduction of the Castles provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see some of Scotland’s most attractive and scenic views. There is simply no better way of seeing most of these ancient fortifications than from the sea, and we are sure that this will be an attractive option to anyone visiting Oban and Argyll.”

The Mull and the Ancient Castle Cruises will be available from tomorrow, sailing on Fridays,  until August 23. Meanwhile, another new cruise starts on Monday (July 22) sailing to Colonsay by way of the spectacular mouth of the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to the third largest whirlpool in the world. Situated between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in full roar this whirlpool is so loud it can be heard almost ten miles away.

The Monday cruise returns to Oban for 2015 by way of the Garvellach Islands, closely linked to Iona and St Columba.

Mondays 22nd July - 26th August:  Colonsay and the Gulf of Corryvreckan  

Dep Oban 1530 

Arr Colonsay 1815

Dep Colonsay 1830 

Arr Oban 2100

Fares:        

Non-landing Cruise fare (Adult) £11.70

Non-landing Cruise fare (Child) £  5.85

High Tea Cruise fare (Adult)      £16.00

High Tea Cruise fare (Child)      £  8.00

High Tea Cruise fare (Family)    £45.00

Mull and the ancient Castles Cruise:  (Fridays until August 23)

Dep Oban 1130

Arr Craignure 1330

Dep Craignure 1345

Arr Oban 1500

Fares:        

Non-landing Cruise fare (Adult) £10.00        

Non-landing Cruise fare (Child) £  5.00

Lunch Cruise fare (Adult)          £15.00

Lunch Cruise fare (Child)          £  7.50

Lunch Cruise fare (Family)        £40.00