ISLAY:
Kennacraig (KEN) - Port Askaig (PAS), Kennacraig (KEN) - Port Ellen (PEL)
One or more sailings are disrupted
Service updates
Port Askaig Closure
Wednesday 19th June – Tuesday 30th July
Port Askaig port will be closed from 19 June until 30 July 2024 (inclusive) to facilitate the next phase of Caledonian Maritime Asset Limited’s (CMAL) infrastructure works at Port Askaig ferry terminal, preparing for the arrival of two new vessels for the Islay service.During this period, sailings to/from Islay will operate to/from Port Ellen only, and amended timetables will be in operation for services to/from Islay and Colonsay.
Please visit our dedicated section for important details relevant to those who are intending to travel to/from Islay and Colonsay during this period – including information on how we’ll support customers.
If you have a booking for travel to Islay / Colonsay 19 June - 30 July that's affected by the closure, our team will be in touch. Our booking system is currently being updated and it may seem that some sailings are unavailable. Please do check back, as this may be temporary while updates take place.
Important advice for customers arriving at Port Ellen
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.
Wednesday 31 July – Friday 9 August
Harbour authorities have advised that the Kennacraig South Berth will now reopen on Friday 9 August.
Due to the closure of the South Berth in Kennacraig, combined with MV Hebridean Isles crew requiring onshore accommodation as a result of damaged cabins, the following timetable will operate.
Please note, all affected passengers with bookings on sailings up to and including 9th August have now been contacted. Sailings for this timeframe have been reopened for online bookings and amendments.
Saturday 10 August – Thursday 17 October
Due to a number of damaged cabins on MV Hebridean Isles, crew require onshore accommodation. As a result of this, crew hours of rest are impacted.
We have amended our timetable for the duration of the Summer timetable to provide the required hours of crew rest. Full details of the amended timetable are available here.
As we update our booking system with the new timetable, some sailings may be unavailable. We will contact any booking that is affected by these changes.
Reason: operational
Last Updated: 27 Jul 2024 05:42
Supplementary information
MV Hebridean Isles – Catering
Until Further Notice
Please be aware that, due to reduced crew availability, there will be no hot food available on MV Hebridean Isles sailings until further notice. Hot drinks and light snacks will be available. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
From Saturday 3rd August
Please be advised there will be no retail service available on Saturday morning 07:00 sailings from Port Ellen until further notice.
Bus Connections
Customers using the connecting bus service to Kennacraig are advised to make themselves known to the bus driver to allow them to inform the Port Office of expected passenger numbers.
Parking at Kennacraig and Islay
Please note, spaces are limited in the car parks at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen, please plan ahead before travelling.
Turn Up and Go and Bookable route online purchases. If you have purchased tickets online as a group or for any number of travel companions, for use on any of our Turn Up and Go or Bookable routes, the full party must travel on the same sailing. This applies to both legs of your journey. If you are unsure if all members of your group are travelling together, please complete separate transactions online.
Pedal Cyclists - Please note when travelling as a pedal cyclist in the event of a diversion disruption, transport between Port Ellen and Port Askaig cannot be guaranteed due to limited transport availability. Our staff will do all they can to support this. However, due to the volume of traffic at busier periods a transfer between ports may not be possible.
Connecting Services - For customers using connecting services please note these services do not always guarantee a connection, particularly during times of disruption. We advise that you check both CalMac and connecting service websites prior to travel to ensure you can reach your end destination safely.
Stay Safe - When travelling with us, we strongly recommend our customers follow our safer travel guidance. Before travel, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the details.
Payment Information - Contactless payment is quick and easy. If you're travelling with us, please do so using a contactless payment method. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Apple, Google or Samsung Pay. If you need assistance, please speak with a member of staff.
Last Updated: 27 Jul 2024 05:42
