Caledonian MacBrayne’s customers to Arran are to benefit from enhancements to the timetable for the forthcoming winter (2004-5) which will see four return sailings a day to the island, Monday to Saturday, and three return sailings on a Sunday.

CalMac’s Route Manager for the island route, Robbie Brown, said: “The issue of what is called locally the “ABCs”, the restricted part of the winter timetable when sailings were not operating at the same level as most of the period, has been contentious for some time. The company has taken a long hard look at the situation and is now pleased to confirm that we are introducing the sailings as detailed from the end of October when the winter timetable comes into operation. I believe that our decision will be warmly welcomed on the island and I now look forward to increased activity on the route in the period covered. This will involve over 80 additional return sailings compared with the winter of 2003-4 and should go a long way to meeting local aspirations in terms of turning the island into an all-year round holiday destination. The decision does not affect services on Christmas and New Year’s Day when sailings are suspended and the service on Boxing Day will remain as it was last year, on a reduced basis.”

Meanwhile, CalMac has also agreed to timetable sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool on Mondays and Wednesdays giving the route a minimum of two sailings per day all-year round. Route Manager Mary Anne Campbell said: “The Monday and Wednesday sailings will begin in January with the first regular sailing after the new year period. They will be offered in January and February and will sail from Stornoway at 1345, returning at 1715. I can also confirm our intention, as reported to the recent Shipping Services Advisory Committee (SSAC) (North) meeting, to make the departure from Stornoway 0715 all year round from October, with the last sailing from Ullapool at 1715, apart from the ten-week summer peak period.”

Councillor Norman A MacDonald, Chairman of the Committee (SSAC, North) said: “I am delighted that CalMac has agreed to this request which has been debated for some time. I am very pleased with the enhancement and I am certain that the sailings will be very well used. That is in everyone’s interests and I know that they will be welcomed throughout the islands as it increases travelling options for the customers.”

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:  Tuesday, April 13, 2004  : 1130