CalMac to introduce seven day service for Sound of Harris

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CalMac to introduce seven day service for Sound of Harris
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29 March 2006

The Caledonian MacBrayne Board, meeting in Stornoway today (Wednesday, March 29), agreed to extend the current timetable for the Sound of Harris service between Leverburgh and Berneray to a 7 day service, on a date to be confirmed.

The decision follows strong representations from the communities, both for and against Sunday sailings. The Board decided that extending the service fulfils the company’s responsibility to provide lifeline services, meeting the social and economic needs of the islands.

CalMac Chairman Dr Harold Mills said: “CalMac has recently received a number of representations for a service across the Sound of Harris on Sundays. The Company has had representations from both sides in the debate and fully appreciates the sensitivities of the situation. This was a difficult decision for the Board to take, but it enables people living in Uist to have the same opportunity to travel within the islands as people living in some of the larger communities.”

Historically, all services to and from the Western Isles – North Uist, Harris and Lewis – have operated a six day a week service. Reacting to demand from customers, Sunday services from North Uist to the mainland were commenced in 1989. CalMac has also operated the Sound of Barra service, the other key element of the Outer Hebrides Spinal Route, on a seven day basis since it was taken over from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2004.

CalMac confirmed that no additional staff costs would be incurred as the crew is currently rostered for maintenance work on a Sunday. The Sunday sailing does not involve any staff on the shore-side. The only additional costs would be fuel, berthing and traffic dues. CalMac anticipates revenue to be in line with current daily income.

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: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 : 1930

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