Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the Gourock to Dunoon service will be able to continue to operate as a passenger and vehicle operation, following Argyll and Bute Council’s clarification of their decision to place a weight restriction on Dunoon pier.

The Council has confirmed that from November 6, they will restrict access to the pier to vehicles of no more than 15 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight. This means that cars can be carried and that most coaches will now be allowed to carry passengers across the pier. However, articulated lorries and large laden box vans will not be accepted on the route.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I welcome the Council’s clarification of the position with regard to the concerns we raised about operational matters. The 15 tonne restriction now enables us to accept most coaches, without having to decant their passengers. Obviously, we can now continue to operate a vehicular and passenger service.”

CalMac has also confirmed that the current Gourock to Dunoon timetable will continue to be operated until the future of the service is decided. The Scottish Executive has issued an Invitation To Tender (ITT) for the operation of the service without a subsidy. The closing date for applications is November 13, 2006.

Mr Sinclair added: “While our Explore brochure for 2007 does not contain the Gourock to Dunoon summer timetable, customers should assume that for 2007, the summer and winter timetable for 2006 will apply unless and until alternative arrangements are put in place by the Scottish Executive. CalMac is currently considering all the options as detailed in the Invitation to Tender and will make available our decision on what we are doing as soon as practicable. Once the various issues connected to the tendering process have been clarified, the operator will be in a position to clarify matters further. Meantime, information on timetables and fares is available on the CalMac website, www.calmac.co.uk or by phoning the Customer Care department on 01475 650 100.”

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Limited, (Aiseagan ChalMac Earranta); tel 0776 435 4021.

Issued: Friday, October 27, 2006: 1400