Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that its Board has recommended that a new vessel should be constructed for the Kennacraig to Islay  route and that a two vessel option should be available for the summer timetable.  The ports of Port Ellen and Kennacraig should also be upgraded.  

Speaking at a Dinner for invited guests in Islay on Wednesday evening (January 21, 2004), held in conjunction with the Board meeting on the island, Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair confirmed that the outcome of the extensive appraisal on the island route and its facilities now lies with the Scottish Executive.

Mr Sinclair also confirmed that the company’s preference for the next new vessel to be built is a second vessel for the WemyssBay – Rothesay route,  followed by a new vessel for Islay.

Mr Sinclair said: “The service to the island of Bute remains our top priority as the island is currently served by ships which are nearly thirty years old. We have to plan our investment on a rolling basis and at this point in time, the island of Bute is the one which has the oldest section of the fleet. The ship to be built for 2005 is a welcome step in the right direction and if we could get the funding for a second vessel to replace the Streakers, we could focus on Islay. The service from Kennacraig has, however been considerably enhanced through the additional 19-weeks of two vessels in operation during the summer and this will be repeated for 2004.  We would obviously hope that the recommendations from the appraisal will eventually lead to the outcome we prefer which will enable us to continue offering a service which is beginning to meet the aspirations of the island community.”

Mr Sinclair also confirmed that company representatives will return to Islay for the North and South Shipping Service Advisory Committee (SSAC) meetings on the 1^st and 2^nd April.

Addressing other issues on the network, it was confirmed at the Dinner that the in operation of the Dunoon linkspan for three months in 2003 cost CalMac 42,000 passengers, 25,000 cars, 1,900 commercials and 250 buses.  As a result, the Company suffered a substantial loss in revenue which it is unlikely to recover.

It was also confirmed that CalMac will now be going ahead with a new Harbour Order application to try and secure speedy resolution to the application for a second linkspan in Oban and that the order to commence work on the new terminal building has now been put in place. It is now likely that the application will be advertised within the next fortnight.

The new two storey terminal building, which will cost nearly £2million, will be built to the town side of the current terminal building. Work has begun and will last for six months. CalMac expects to have the new facility in operation towards the end of the summer season.  The current facility will remain in operation until the new building is completed. It will then be demolished and the space used to enhance CalMac’s vehicle marshalling facilities.

Mr Sinclair said: “If we can get the second linkspan installed quickly, together with the new terminal facility, Oban will have a complete set of first class ferry facilities, much more in keeping with the aspirations and requirements of our customers.”

Ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, and Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  Wednesday, January 21, 2004: 1900