CalMac Update on Winter Timetables 4 March 2021
CalMac Customer Update - Winter Timetable Extension
As the First Minister has confirmed that Covid-19 restrictions will continue to be in place until at least April, Transport Scotland have asked that we extend our winter timetable for one month, from 26 March - 25 April 2021.
The winter timetable extension and phasing in of the summer timetable, will be aligned with Scottish Government announcements on the easing of travel restrictions and opening back up of the economy.
Transport Scotland and CalMac will remain flexible and responsive to stakeholder feedback and increases in demand during this period.
Routes affected
This change will affect all routes and services.
The six routes previously communicated as operating reduced timetables due to availability of staff and to ensure service resilience, will be reviewed on 25 March. However, any increase after this would remain in line with normal winter timetable provision, until 25 April.
These routes are:
Sconser-Raasay
Tayinloan-Gigha
Tarbert-Portavadie
Wemyss Bay-Rothesay
Largs-Cumbrae
Gourock-Dunoon
Fares
Transport Scotland have confirmed that the fares increase due to take effect on the 26 March will go ahead as planned.
Making a booking
Reservations for some routes will be temporarily unavailable for the period 26 March - 25 April whilst our systems are being updated and current bookings are being rescheduled.
Outwith this time period, where possible, we encourage our customers to make reservations at calmac.co.uk. Access to our website will be managed by a queue system, which is in place during periods of high demand to provide an improved booking experience. When in the queue, customers will automatically be directed to our website when it's their turn. We are grateful for your patience.
A reminder about our capacity
Coronavirus protection measures will still be in place. This means we are releasing this timetable in circumstances that are quite different when compared to previous years. We are still implementing official physical distancing guidelines which mean our capacity is still less than in 'normal times'.
Safer Travel with CalMac
When you sail with us, you'll notice that many of our familiar processes have changed in response to COVID19. There's also a set of important safer travel rules that everyone needs to follow - to help protect each other, the island and the communities CalMac serves. To help, we've prepared a series of FAQs on how to prepare and plan ahead for your journey - which includes information on wearing a face covering when travelling with us, and when in our port offices, unless exempt. We will keep our customers informed about these requirements - so please do stay up to date and in touch with us. You can find out how to do that below.
Stay up to date
To stay up to date on any information on ferry travel, and your route, subscribe to updates through our SMS service and app. Check and follow our @calmac_updates Twitter channel for CalMac service updates and check the latest travel guidance via our regularly updated FAQs.