Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is advising customers using the Islay service at the beginning of September that one of the island's two ferries will be temporarily withdrawn for essential maintenance.

The CalMac service to Islay from Kennacraig between Thursday 6 September and Tuesday 11 September will be operated by MV Isle of Arran while MV Hebridean Isles is in dry-dock.  Regional Manager Fay Harris said: "The reason that this particular week has been chosen for the repairs on MV Hebridean Isles's ramp is because on checking the advanced bookings it is clearly the point at which the changes will make least impact on the island and customers.  It also makes good sense for us to have the repairs carried out prior to the September holiday weekend and the October school holidays and that will enable us to be operating at full capacity at these key times."

During the period the work is being undertaken on MV Hebridean Isles, MV Isle of Arran will operate the single vessel schedule previously referred to as the "shoulder timetabled service". Details are available from CalMac offices and on the company's website www.calmac.co.uk

Mrs Harris added: "Obviously we regret any inconvenience this may cause to the island and our customers, but it is in everyone's best interests that this work be done as soon as possible to enable us to restore the full two-vessel service. The work cannot be done locally, so the ship has to go away and we will do everything within our power to ensure that it is completed on schedule. or even quicker if at all possible.  Customers should be aware of the reduction in capacity for that week due to less sailings overall and I would suggest that anyone wishing to travel in the period we have detailed should try and book their space as soon as possible, and certainly sooner than they would do if we had the two ships on the route. If there is any change to the position at all, we will make this available through the usual channels. Anyone with any queries about the arrangements should contact the local port offices and we will be happy to advise on what the best course of action is."


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 16 August 2007, 1530