| Caledonian MacBrayne gear up for Cowal gathering | |
| 26 August 2003 Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is gearing up for the busiest weekend of the summer season on the Upper Clyde with the Cowal Gathering taking place in Dunoon and MV “Pioneer” undertaking her final cruise as part of the CalMac fleet. A number of special arrangements are being put in place at Gourock and at Wemyss Bay/Rothesay to enable customers to make an easy transition from road and rail access to ships. Due to the increased traffic conveyed over the games weekend, parking in the centre car park at Gourock Ferry Terminal will be restricted. The restrictions will be eased around the terminal building over the weekend. This should be of assistance to regular customers. CalMac will be employing stewards to assist customers at the terminals and on board vessels. Shirley Fraser, Upper Clyde Route Manager said: “We anticipate a very busy weekend with the weather having been fair for the past few days. CalMac will do everything possible to ensure that visitors to the Gathering will enjoy the event and that we will play our part in helping people on their way to what should be another memorable occasion. I would remind customers that through tickets to Dunoon are obtainable on trains from Glasgow Central station to Gourock and this will help us speed up the traffic.” Customers are also reminded that, in line with local byelaws, drinking in public is forbidden in Gourock and Dunoon. This is strictly enforced. CalMac will be making use of its CCTV system at Gourock Ferry Terminal to monitor passenger safety and revenue control. After last weekend's successful deployment of vessels to meet traffic demand for the Bute Games and Island Invasion Motorcycle Rally on Bute, this weekend CalMac is focusing on getting customers to and from the Cowal Games safely and in good time with the minimum of delay. On Thursday 28th August, the usual timetable will operate between Gourock and Dunoon supplemented during the day by additional sailings as required at 10 minutes to the hour from Gourock and 20 minutes past the hour from Dunoon.
On Friday 29th August, half-hourly sailings will operate between Gourock and Dunoon, departing both locations at 20 minutes past the hour and 10 minutes to the hour starting at 0650 from Gourock. The timetabled sailings at 1745 from Gourock and 1815 from Dunoon are cancelled. The last sailing from Gourock is at 2020 and from Dunoon is at 2045. On Saturday 30th August, sailings every 20 minutes will operate between Gourock and Dunoon departing both locations on the hour, at 20 minutes past the hour and 20 minutes to the hour. Services will start at 0700 from Gourock. The last timetabled service will depart Dunoon at 2130. In addition to the 3 vehicle carrying vessels, MV Ali Cat will operate a passenger-only service as needed. On Sunday 31st August, half hourly sailings will operate between Gourock and Dunoon departing both locations at 20 minutes past the hour and 10 minutes to the hour from 0820 until 1220. Thereafter there will be one additional sailing at 1420 from Dunoon before reverting to the normal Sunday timetable. Customers using the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay service this weekend should note that on Saturday 30th August, in order to accommodate the additional sailings between Gourock and Dunoon, a single-vessel service will operate between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay following this amended timetable: Depart Rothesay Depart Wemyss Bay
Shirley Fraser added: “This will be an extremely busy weekend for us on all the Upper Clyde routes. Customers should arrive early, and anticipate traffic delays and queuing at all locations. Ferries will be busy and CalMac is asking that customers allow extra journey time. For up to date information, please contact the local port office at Gourock (01475 650100), Rothesay (01700 502707) or Wemyss Bay (01475 520521). ends Issued: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 : 1000 | |
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