The contract was signed at a ceremony held in Portrush, marking a visit by Company Chairman Dr Harold Mills and senior CalMac executives.

Dr Mills said: “We are delighted to have our contract as the operator of this service extended for a further two years and we look forward to developing our relationship with the communities of Rathlin and the mainland of Northern Ireland. The improvement in traffic on the route, which saw an increase in passenger traffic for the year 2003 of almost 20% (up to 46,562) is very welcome and reflects the additional resources we have devoted to marketing the route. This extension to the contract offers the company and the islanders continuity and comfort in terms of the future service.”

This Ballycastle-Rathlin route continues to benefit from the general marketing activities undertaken by CalMac marketing to promote the Company and the brand as listed below, and benefit specifically from a local marketing plan with its own budget. The route will also be featuring more prominently in the company’s marketing literature

Caledonian MacBrayne’s marketing staff have included promotion of the Ballycastle/Rathlin service in their attendance at trade shows/consumer exhibitions.

A generic advertising campaign incorporating Scottish and UK daily/Sunday press, tourist board publications and other publications in industry sectors (especially niche market titles) is also in place. Northern Ireland micro-marketing will be included.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release and a photograph of the signing ceremony if necessary, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021.

Issued: Monday, March 8, 2004