The two-vessel operation, which has been hailed as possibly the single biggest ferry development for the island in a generation, has been a significant success when operated over the past three summers. CalMac has now confirmed that following the successful conclusion of the tendering process for Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, the island will be continue to receive the two-vessel service during the summer. The company is now completing the arrangements to finalise the timetables.

Robbie Brown, CalMac’s Regional Manager for Arran and Cumbrae said: “This is a major step forward for the island and its ferry services. We have established quite clearly over the last two summers how the two-vessel service can help the island through better usage of the main vessel MV Caledonian Isles and the second vessel MV Saturn. The hauliers in particular have benefited from the increased flexibility. Likewise our regular customers now know that as we are accommodating commercial vehicles on the second ship, there is much more space available on the main vessel which operates the core timetable, particularly in June, July, August and September.”

Details of the revised timetables will be made available through CalMac’s website www.calmac.co.uk as soon as possible and will also and will be made widely available through local media and leaflets, which will be available on ships and in terminals.

Mr Brown added: “We are now in a position to market the summer service much earlier than we have been before and this can only be to the island’s benefit. Having a more intensive service opens up the market to day trippers and gives customers an increased range of options which I am sure will be welcomed.”

The island’s ferry committee has backed the announcement. Ken Thorburn, Chair of the committee said: “Based on the success of the second vessel during 2007, I firmly believe that the benefits to customers and the island are there for everyone to see and I would expect an increase in the total carrying figures during the coming years.

The transport of freight to and from the island during the busy summer months has in the past been a source of great frustration to the travelling public. In the knowledge that we will have the second vessel during the summer long-term, transport companies on and off the island will be better able to plan and make better use of the available sailings. The timetable will also allow flexibility for daily commuters. Everyone with a need to be on either Arran or the mainland can be accommodated. The economy of Arran continues to show welcome increasing activity. Building construction shows no sign of slowing down. House prices remain high. The distillery and the brewery have both had an excellent year. Hotel and self catering bookings have also been very good BrodickCastle, the main visitor attraction on the island has reported a 5% increase in visitors numbers during 2007. CalMac’s most welcome news is a great boost to all of this.”

Two weeks ago, the Scottish Government confirmed that, following the recent tender process CalMac had been awarded the contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services. As part of that contract there will be an additional daily return sailing on the Ardrossan/Brodick service during the winter.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Communications Director, Caledonian MacBrayne, (Aiseagan ChalMac); tel 0776 435 4021.

Issued: Thursday , October 4, 2007 : 1200