Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is gearing up for the busiest weekend of the summer season on the Upper Clyde with the Cowal Highland Gathering taking place in Dunoon and other events on the island of Bute.

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, limited parking will be available at and around the Gourock Ferry terminal.

CalMac will be increasing staff numbers for the weekend to assist customers at the terminals and on board vessels. Shirley Fraser, Upper Clyde Route Manager said: “We anticipate a very busy weekend. CalMac will do everything possible to ensure that visitors to the Gathering will enjoy the event.  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 Gourock 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.

CalMac is focusing on getting customers to and from the Games safely and in good time with the minimum of delay.  Ms Fraser added: “Customers should be aware that they can purchase tickets from their vehicles in the car marshalling area and from the port office.  This will help considerably in terms of moving traffic quickly.”

On Thursday 26th August, the usual timetable will operate between Gourock and Dunoon.

On Friday 27th August, the usual timetable will operate between Gourock and Dunoon.

On Saturday 28th August, two Streakers, MV Juno and MV Saturn will operate between Gourock and Dunoon, departing both locations at 20 minutes past the hour and 10 minutes to the hour.  Services will start at 0620 from Gourock.  The last timetabled service will depart Dunoon at 2220.  In addition to the two vehicle carrying vessels, MV Ali Cat will operate a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon and will operate continuously throughout the day.

On Sunday 29th August, the usual Sunday service will operate between Gourock and Dunoon with the first sailing departing Gourock at 0820.  This will be supplemented by additional sailings at the following times:

Depart Gourock       Depart Dunoon

0850                           0920

0950                           1020

1050                           1120

1150                          

The 1220 sailing from Dunoon will reposition to WemyssBay to service the usual Sunday timetable.  

Customers using the WemyssBay to Rothesay service this weekend should note that on Saturday 28th August, in order to accommodate the additional sailings between Gourock and Dunoon, a single-vessel service will operate between WemyssBay and Rothesay following this amended timetable:

Depart Rothesay       Depart WemyssBay

            0710                           0800                          

            0845                           0930

            1010                           1100

            1145                           1300

            1345                           1430

            1515                           1600

            1645                           1730

            1815                           1900

            1945                           2040

On Sunday 29^th August, a single vessel service will operate between WemyssBay and Rothesay until 1300. As a result, there will be no sailings from Rothesay at 1010, and 1145. There will be no 1100 sailing from WemyssBay . There will, however, be an additional service in the afternoon departing Rothesay at 1430 and WemyssBay at 1515.

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.  With the Motorcycle Rally on Bute at the same time, this is a massive challenge for CalMac and we will do our best to ensure that everyone enjoys their experience on the Upper Clyde services.  For up to date information, customers should contact the local port office at Gourock (01475 650226), Rothesay (01700 502707) or WemyssBay (01475 520521).

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, August 24, 2004  : 1200