Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is gearing up for the busiest weekend of the summer season on the Upper Clyde with the Cowal Gathering taking place in Dunoon next weekend August 24-27.

A number of special arrangements are being put in place at Gourock to facilitate an easy transition from road and rail access to ships. Due to the increased traffic conveyed over the games weekend, parking in the centre car park at Gourock Ferry Terminal will be restricted. The restrictions will be eased around the terminal building over the weekend as pressure on space decreases. This should be of assistance to regular customers.

Donna Derrick, Gourock Port Manager said: “We anticipate a very busy weekend once again and the weather will obviously be a big factor. Traditionally we will be busier if the weather is good. CalMac will do everything possible to ensure that visitors to the Gathering will enjoy the event and that we will play our part in helping people on their way to what should be another memorable occasion. I would like to remind customers that through tickets to Dunoon 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 will be strictly enforced. CalMac will be making use of its CCTV system at Gourock Ferry Terminal to monitor passenger safety and revenue control.

Donna Derrick  added: “There are obviously a number of changes to our schedule and I would advise customers to check with us before hand if they have any doubt about the times of last sailings which are 2045 from Dunoon on Thursday and Friday and then 2130 on Saturday. I would also ask that taxis drop customers off in the train station waiting area as this will enable their passengers to access queues quicker. CalMac is focusing on getting customers to and from the Cowal Games safely and in good time with the minimum of delay and I would like to remind coach operators that they can book departure in advance from Gourock to Dunoon but not on the return leg of the journey.

Timetable information

On Thursday 24th August, the normal timetable will operate between Gourock and Dunoon. The last sailing on Thursday will be leaving Gourock at 2018 and leaving Dunoon at 2045.

On Friday 25th August, there will be two vessels operating with the first sailing from Gourock departing at 0620. The last sailing on Friday will be leaving Gourock at 2018 and leaving Dunoon at 2045.

On Saturday 26th August, three vessels will be in operation with sailings every 20 minutes operating between Gourock and Dunoon departing both locations on the hour, at 20 minutes past the hour and 20 minutes to the hour. Services will start at 0620 from Gourock. The last timetabled service will depart Dunoon at 2130. 

On Sunday 27th August, there will be a two vessel operation with half hourly sailings operating between Gourock and Dunoon departing both locations at 20 minutes past the hour and 10 minutes to the hour from 0820 until 1220 thereafter normal timetable will resume. 

This will be an extremely busy weekend for CalMac on all the Upper Clyde routes. Customers are advised to arrive as early as possible, and allow for traffic delays and queuing at all locations. Ferries will be busy and CalMac is asking that customers allow extra journey time. 

For up to date information, customers should contact Gourock on 01475 650226 or Dunoon on 01369706491.

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:  Thursday, August 17, 2006 : 1700