Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, which has operated the Ballycastle-Rathlin ferry service since 1996, today (Thursday March 29) confirmed that an agreement had been reached in principle to extend its contract to operate the Ballycastle Rathlin Ferry Service on behalf of the Department for Regional Development until March 2008.

However, operation of the ferry service will be by a new company, Rathlin Ferries Ltd, following the recent restructuring of the Caledonian MacBrayne Group of companies, to enable CalMac Ferries Ltd to bid for the provision of Lifeline ferry services in Scotland. Rathlin Ferries Ltd has been established as a wholly owned subsidiary of David MacBrayne Limited, to run the Ballycastle to Rathlin service, and continues to trade under the CalMac brand.

CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: "We were delighted to have our contract as the operator of this service extended again and we look forward to developing our ongoing relationship with the communities of Rathlin and the mainland of Northern Ireland. Since we started operating the service we have seen a spell of considerable tourist growth on the route. The growth is very welcome and reflects our marketing effort to promote Rathlin as a “must do” day trip for visitors to the North Coast. We now look forward to continuing to work with the people on Rathlin Island itself, the local community and authorities in Ballycastle and our colleagues in the Department for Regional Development."

The Ballycastle-Rathlin route continues to benefit from the general marketing activities undertaken by CalMac and benefits specifically from a local marketing plan. Approximately 12,000 passengers per month are carried in July and August, the two peak summer months.

The extension of the ferry contract continues the long association between Scotland and Rathlin as the Rathlin Island community is this year celebrating the 700th anniversary of the famous story of Robert the Bruce, watching a spider whilst hiding in a cave on the island. Legend has it has the spider's perseverance gave him inspiration to return to Scotland and eventually defeat the English at the Battle of Bannockburn.

An exciting programme of events has been arranged over the summer, including a "Robert the Bruce" Festival from 22nd -24th June, with one of the King Robert's descendants arriving on 23rd June on a boat from Arran, Scotland.

On Friday of this week, (March 30) the timetable of services to Rathlin increases for the summer period, to four return crossings per day.
Return tickets to the Island are £10, Family Ticket £26.50, and Smartpass holders travel free.

Ends.

Background note:

Caledonian MacBrayne reaffirmed in 2004 that the announcement at that time of the award of the contract for Ballycastle-Rathlin did not affect the company's position in relation to the proposed Ballycastle to Campbeltown route. Caledonian MacBrayne did not tender for this route when it was recently offered, for reasons already in the public domain. The Company does not have the tonnage required available to service the route.

Rathlin Island is located 6 miles from the coastal town of Ballycastle, off the northeast Antrim coast. There are approximately 80 residents on the island.

CalMac ferries currently services the route using MV Canna, which can
carry up to six cars and 140 passengers in summer (27 in the winter).

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please
Contact: Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Limited. Tel: 0776 435 4021; or Anne Armstrong, Department for Regional Development Press Office. Tel: 028 90540004

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued:  Wednesday, March 28, 2007 : 1600.