Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is reminding customers that change to the winter timetable takes place this weekend. Services change to the new schedule on Sunday morning, October 19.

Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the new timetables which are available from port offices and on ships.

Meanwhile, customers travelling on the extra Sunday, October 19, 2003 MV Hebrides sailing from Uig to Lochmaddy at 1400 are advised that the journey will feature, at some point in the crossing, an exercise involving various emergency services.

On-board announcements will be made in advance of the actual exercise which involves the creation of an accident scenario in the engine room.  Passengers are not required to take part in the exercise and it will be conducted with the minimum of disruption to the journey.

CalMac Managing Director, Lawrie Sinclair, said: “I am sure that customers will appreciate that these exercises are a vital part of our training procedures and they take place with the full co-operation of other emergency services -  police, fire brigade, lifeboat and coastguard. If passengers have any questions about what is happening on board, please do not hesitate to contact a crew member. There should be no delay in the crossing and customers are welcome to spectate as appropriate, following the instructions of crew members and officers as necessary.”

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  Thursday, October 16 , 2003