Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne’s customers are reminded that the summer timetable starts from sailings on Friday, April 2 and that due account should be taken of this when making travel arrangements.

The new timetable includes some changes from last year with which customers should familiarise themselves through the pocket-sized version  of the timetable or through the magazine Explore, or on the website www.calmac.co.uk  Amongst the key changes are a better spread of sailings for the 19-week two-vessel summer service to Islay. It is now also possible to book the extremely popular Hopscotch® tickets on the web. There are also significant improvements to CalMac’s Reservations opening hours.

The CalMac fleet of ships have now completed an extensive winter overhaul improvement programme which will bring significant benefits to customers. MV Caledonian Isles has a newly refurbished forward lounge which has already attracted favourable responses from customers on the Ardrossan to Brodick route and both MV Hebrides and MV Clansman have had changes made to their superstructure which will enhance customers’ views of the magnificent scenery in which they operate.

Bill Main, CalMac Commercial Manager said: “The main purpose of the deck extension was to give the customer a new unrestricted viewing area for about 180 degrees around the stern at the most elevated level possible. There are some side benefits in that the deck below aft of the bar now becomes a covered outside verandah deck (with seating and tables) and the crew have additional working space around the fast rescue boats.  The deck was also designed to add to the outline look of the stern of the ship with the 'cruise ship' style curved viewing area so that customers can have the best possible view.”

CalMac’s Phone Reservations team will now be operating extended hours to facilitate the increased demand which is building on last year’s bumper season. Mr Main said: “We are opening our Reservations for calls from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, which is an increase of two and a half hours and will be operational from 9am until 7pm on Sundays. If demand continues to grow beyond that we will consider extending the arrangements further.”

CalMac reports significant increases in advance bookings for the summer of 2004 with encouraging signs that demand is extending beyond the traditional peak periods. Website activity is already well up on last year and staff are now ready to take full advantage of the improved systems. Mr Main added: “The refurbishment programme of offices in Tarbert, (Harris) and Inverness, and the enhanced use of plasma screens for passenger information should enable us to continue improving the services we offer. With the rebuilding programme for the new £2million terminal building at Oban under way, with completion due in the late summer/early autumn, we are all set for what promises to be an extremely busy period.”

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:  Saturday, March 20, 2004  : 1300