Port enabling works at Port Askaig
New Islay Vessel Port Enabling Works - Port Askaig Closure, 19 June - 30 July 2024
Last updated: 22 July 2024
Port Askaig ferry terminal will be temporarily closed for the period 19 June - 30 July while CMAL undertake infrastructure works. This work is taking place to prepare the port for the arrival of two new vessels in the future - during this time, Port Askaig will be closed for 6 weeks, and amended timetables for the Kennacraig - Port Ellen - Port Askaig (Islay) and Oban-Colonsay-Port Askaig services will be in place.
We've published details below on how customers will be supported during this time.
Arriving at Port Ellen in your vehicle
If you're travelling in a vehicle on a sailing from Port Ellen, we kindly ask that you do not arrive too early for your service. This will help us to ensure that traffic flows well at Port Ellen, and to reduce the risk of congestion during the Port Askaig closure period.
Vehicle check-in will open 2 hours prior to sailing departure, and closes promptly 30 minutes prior to departure. As a guide, we recommend arriving at Port Ellen no earlier than 60 minutes prior to check-in closure (90 minutes prior to sailing departure). Customers who arrive more than 2 hours prior to sailing departure will be asked to leave the port area and return later. We appreciate your co-operation.
Timetables and bookings
Update 22 July 2024
An amended timetable will operate on the Kennacraig-Port Ellen/Port Askaig, Islay and Oban-Colonsay-Port Askaig-Kennacraig routes in two stages from Wednesday 31 July until Friday 9 August and Saturday 10 August to Thursday 17 October. Timetables for Kennacraig - Islay and Oban - Colonsay are available via our timetable pages.
We do apologise that this will include the cancellation of the Wednesday service to/from Oban-Colonsay during this period 31 July to 17 October, however a passenger charter will be in operation on Wednesdays 19 and 26 June and 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 July and 7 August. From 14 August there is no charter currently available, however we will continue to explore alternative options. It can carry 12 passengers; however, it is not able to carry dogs or bikes. It can be booked via our Oban port office and full details are available on our service status and information pages.
If you have a booking for travel to Islay / Colonsay 31 July to 17 October that's likely to be affected, our team will be in contact you to provide details of your alternative sailing time. If you would like to make a booking for travel to Islay / Colonsay 31 July to 17 October, please be aware that our system is currently being updated while we move current customer bookings to amended sailing times. While this work is underway, it may seem that some sailings are unavailable. Please do check back, as this may be temporary while updates take place.
Next phases of work
This project is part of a series of major infrastructure works by CMAL to prepare Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay ports for new vessels. Work is also underway at Colonsay, and is scheduled to continue through to October, however no closure period will be required at Colonsay since works will be able to operate around Caledonian MacBrayne's service. Thank you to the communities and customers for your patience while we deliver our services during these construction works.
Read our FAQ's below for important information and advice during the Port Askaig closure period.