Ferry operator CalMac Ferries Ltd (CalMac) has reacted quickly to amend timetable schedules for its Islay services following the disclosure by Argyll & Bute Council that the pier at Port Askaig will not be available until April 20^th. Works at the pier were to be sufficiently advanced to allow ferry operations to resume at the start of the summer timetable on 30^th March 2007.

 In response to the increasing demand for vehicular space on the ferry, CalMac had previously introduced one additional return sailing each week for the remainder of the winter timetable. The Company had also been due to announce the extension of the peak summer, two-vessel service, to cover the entire summer timetable period. An emergency timetable will now be put in place until the full published schedule can start on completion of the pier works at Port Askaig. 

 Operations Director Phil Preston said: “It is a matter of concern that CalMac and our customers cannot get the full benefit of our proposed enhanced summer service to Islay using both MV Hebridean Isles and MV Isle of Arran. A key priority, however, is to provide the important inter-island link between Islay and Colonsay on a Wednesday. Having the two ships available will allow us to achieve this, albeit via Port Ellen. This will add about an hour and a half to the journey, but it is important that the link is maintained.”

 Amended sailing times will be issued as soon as possible and customers should check CalMac’s web site www.calmac.co,uk for details. CalMac will also publish notices in terminals and on ships. Timings of specific sailings will also be available on CalMac’s SMS text service. Full details of this are also to be found at www.calmac.co.uk.

 Background notes for editors:

 CalMac Ferries Ltd operates Islay services from Kennacraig.

Summer timetable commences 30 March, 2007

Normal services operate to Port Ellen and Port Askaig. Port Askaig, which is owned by Argyll and Bute Council, has been closed for redevelopment since December 2006. The pier was due to reopen to the mainland ferry for 30^th March.

 Ends.

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

 Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited

 Issued: Monday, March 19, 2007 : 1630