Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the company, which has been operating the Ballycastle to Rathlin service in Northern Ireland since 1996, has won the contract to provide the service until 31 March, 2004.

The announcement has been made earlier today (Friday, January 17, 2003) by Angela Smith MP, Minister for Regional Development.

Lawrie Sinclair, Managing Director, Caledonian MacBrayne said: “We are delighted to have been confirmed as the operator of this service and look forward to working with the communities of Rathlin and the mainland of Northern Ireland. We have built up a special relationship with our customers in Northern Ireland and it is a happy coincidence that we are in a position to welcome this Ministerial announcement at a Travel Show in Belfast.”

This route will benefit from the general marketing activities undertaken by CalMac marketing to promote the Company and the brand as listed below, but will benefit specifically from a local marketing plan with its own budget.

Caledonian MacBrayne’s marketing staff will now be including promotion of the Ballycastle/Rathlin service in their attendance at trade shows/consumer exhibitions. The Marketing team is already committed to attending Holidayworld events in Dublin and Cork as part of a UK/Europe/USA- wide exhibition strategy.

A generic advertising campaign incorporating Scottish and UK daily/Sunday press, Tourist Board publications and miscellaneous publications in industry sectors (esp. niche market titles) is also in place. Radio and TV advertising is currently being put in place for Spring 2003 onwards and Northern Ireland  micro-marketing will be included.

Caledonian MacBrayne also confirmed today that the announcement of the award of the contract for Ballycastle-Rathlin does not affect the company’s position in relation to the Ballycastle to Campbeltown route. Caledonian MacBrayne will not be tendering for this route, for reasons already in the public domain.