Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the ferry operation at Port Askaig on Islay is to close temporarily with immediate effect and that all services to and from Islay will operate from Port Ellen.

The closure brings forward a planned interruption in the service from Port Askaig which had been scheduled for mid-February. To enable essential engineering works at Port Askaig, involving replacement of the current linkspan and other facilities, the ferry will operate out of Port Ellen from Thursday (December 20, 2006).

CalMac's Operations Director Phil Preston said: "The works had been scheduled for the middle of February, but due to a combination of factors involving the condition of the current linkspan and the essential nature of the contractors' works, we are having to bring this forward. The earlier closure will mean that the contractors and Argyll and Bute Council can work with us in achieving the earliest possible return to full, normal service from both ports on the island. There is an obvious advantage to Islay in having both ports operational, and in particular at times of bad weather. However, this is unavoidable and we hope that by bringing the work forward, we will be able to achieve the earliest possible restart to full operations, probably sometime in March."

CalMac is also highlighting that to enable customers to maintain mainland bus connections, the 1300 departure from Kennacraig will be brought forward by ten minutes to 1250 with immediate effect.

Mr Preston added: "We are working closely with Argyll and Bute Council on this in terms of keeping people informed about the progress of the works and the possible impact on the service. The Council is making arrangements for connecting transport between the two ports for the 1530 sailing and the details of these arrangements will be widely publicised. Meantime, I can assure our customers on the island and the mainland that we will endeavour to keep any possible disruption to a minimum and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that the work is completed as quickly as possible. Customers should obviously keep an eye out for local notices and updates on our website www.calmac.co.uk and we will ensure that gives everyone the best possible information."