Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) today (Monday, October 12) launched its 2010 Explore brochure at the Royal National Mod in Oban.

Speaking at the launch, Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne, said: “Explore 2010 is CalMac’s main leisure brochure and an essential planning tool for everyone interested in travelling to the 24 destinations off Scotland’s west coast that are served by the CalMac network. “

This year Explore features a foreword from actor John Michie, best known for his role as D. I. Ross in “Taggart” and as presenter of the documentary series “Made in Scotland.” In it he talks about his favourite islands and memorable journeys in the CalMac network.

Phil Preston said: ”Last year Explore was made available via the internet for the first time and this has proved very popular with around 20,000 people around the world accessing it on line. We are delighted that so many people chose to plan their trips this way but we will also continue to have a printed version with copies of the brochure available from CalMac ferry terminals and on our ferries, as well as from other tourism outlets around the country.”

The 2010 Explore brochure includes CalMac’s timetables from 25 October, 2009, to 25 March, 2010, (Winter) and 26 March, 2010, to 23 October, 2010 (Summer.) It also provides information on rail and bus connections, a selection of accommodation advertisements and suggestions on what visitors can see and do around the CalMac network, illustrated with photographs chosen to appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Copies of CalMac’s Winter timetables for 2009/10, which start on October 25, 2009, are also now available from ports, offices and on ships.

Making a reservation or getting service information has also never been easier with two free-phone numbers – 0800 066 5000 for Reservations and 0800 066 5400 for Service Information.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Further information about Caledonian MacBrayne is available at www.calmac.co.uk

2. Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). These names are used under licence from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The lion rampant device is used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.

For further information, contact:

David Cannon,

Group Public Affairs Manager,

David MacBrayne Ltd

(On behalf of CalMac Ferries Ltd)

Tel: 01475 650371

Mob: 07595 092332

david.cannon@calmac.co.uk