A ferry right to reply…
I am emailing in response to Richard and Eileen Burrow’s letter (March, p17). On looking at the photographs that they took, it would appear that space has been left around the tanker, as per regulations, that you can see.
There have been so many problems with CalMac sailings, which have greatly affected both locals and visitors to Islay and other islands.
Locals are missing important appointments, because they cannot get off Islay at short notice and find themselves away from the island longer than intended. The tourist trade is also suffering because holidaymakers cannot get bookings on the ferry.
CalMac does not allow motorhomes to go on standby. However, in response to a problem that I had, I received this information, which incidentally came the next day: “Where there is disruption in exceptional circumstances such as this [my complaint] the rules on standby for motorhomes can be relaxed and port staff are allowed to use their discretion.”
I have forwarded a copy of the Burrows’ letter to Calmac. I have suggested that CalMac makes it clear on its website that, as well as advising that motorhomes cannot go on standby, it is strongly advised that motorhomes have a return booking made when visiting the islands. Hopefully the Burrows will receive a reply from CalMac.
On another note, it is becoming increasing difficult to find LPG pumps where we live (Dunoon). Two of the nearest now are Kilmarnock and Govan, which involve a ferry crossing, or Onich. I thought the Lochgilphead one (Riverside Garage) had closed; however, I am pleased to report that it has been repaired and is now working again.
Ann Gillies
We did receive a response from CalMac some time after sending our initial letter to MMM, so it seems only fair to advise readers of the relevant contents. In response to the empty spaces that we saw on the ferry, CalMac responded as follows:
“Whilst it may appear that unused deck space could be used to accommodate more vehicles, this is not always the case. The loading of the vehicle deck of a ferry is a complex process, and must also take into consideration the weight of the load being carried, the stability of the vessel, and whether there are dangerous goods being carried, as space around such goods may need to be restricted. Please be assured that our port teams and vessel crews ensure that deck space is always maximised, and that we accommodate as many vehicles as it is safe and legal to do so.”
The response regarding the availability of standby is even more interesting and is reproduced below.
“The stand-by option would not have been offered as stand-by queues are not available for motorhomes, campervans or caravans, unless when affected by service disruption. This policy was implemented in agreement with Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government department for whom we operate Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services. You can find out more information on this policy at calmac. co.uk/article/8272/Changes-to-motorhomes-campervansand-caravans-standby-process”
This information is available under the FAQ section on the CalMac website, so you have to search for it.
Readers will need to bear in mind that they are now officially the lowest priority on CalMac, by agreement with the Scottish Government.
We can understand that the needs of residents and businesses may be seen as being a higher priority than those of holidaymakers, but it would be unfortunate if this jeopardised the substantial contribution to the islands’ economies that results from those of us who arrive in campers/caravans or motorhomes. Unless, of course, the Scottish Government actually wants to discourage us from taking our own accommodation to the islands.
Whatever the thinking, readers would be well advised to book all ferry crossings well in advance, even if this does prevent us from enjoying the kind of flexibility that attracted many of us to this form of travel in the first place.
Richard and Eileen Burrow