Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has issued details of services which should remain unaffected on Wednesday 23 March 2005 when the RMT has called a strike of their members from 1200 midday until 1200 midnight.  The following routes should be unaffected and should operate to normal timetables.

Ballycastle - Rathlin Island

Colintraive – Rhubodach

Fionnphort – Iona

Lochaline – Fishnish

Oban – Lismore

Sconser – Raasay

Tarbert/Portavadie/Lochranza

Tayinloan – Gigha

Tobermory – Kilchoan

All other services apart from those listed above will be affected by strike action. 

The RMT have confirmed they will complete all homeward legs commenced prior to midday.  Any ferry which departs before 12:00midday is expected to sail as per timetable.

The following small ferry services are, however, likely to be involved in the strike action and disruption to normal services is expected.

Largs – Cumbrae Slip

Mallaig – Small Isles

Sound of Barra

Sound of Harris

The MV “Alicat” operating on the Gourock – Dunoon route will maintain her normal timetable on Wednesday 23 March 2005.

The company will keep customers and staff fully informed of any changes in the situation and meantime would seek to assure customers that they should continue with bookings as normal.  In the event of any industrial action, full refunds will be given.

We have written to Bob Crow, General Seccretary of the RMT asking him for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.

Caledonian MacBrayne apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the RMT’s actions and hopes that further disruption to services will be avoided.  Regular updates on the position and details of any possible further strike action will be published as they become available.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued:  Tuesday, 15 March 2005 1425hrs