Ferry boost for the summer
Scotland to develop capacity plans which support the island’s agreed priorities for essential supplies and services and residents’ ability to travel.
A ferry committee spokesman said: ‘We have held constructive discussion with CalMac which appear to be allowing the following improvements:
■ Introduction of the Caledonian Isles from July 1 with an initial capacity of 100 passengers. We continue to discuss how this could be complemented by including outside seating capacity. Further work is required on this matter which we will continue to progress.
■ The Isle of Arran to enter service earlier than proposed and now expected to be available from July 15, which is two weeks ahead of the initial plan. This will operate a full summer timetable but we will now get some additional sailings over the weekend by not diverting resources to support Campbelltown.
All this will provide at least the same sailings as previous years between Ardrossan and Brodick.
■ The introduction of the Lochranza to Claonaig service from July 15 for the rest of the summer timetable.
All this will now provide a normal summer timetable with social distancing influencing the capacity. These limits are set by government policy and we have provided information to Scottish Government as to the impact this ruling has on capacity and the economy. CalMac has indicated it can react to any change in government policy with minimum delay.
Booking system
‘There are still some areas to be clarified such as the booking systems and how demand will be managed to protect residents. Our discussions will continue ahead of the booking system being opened up on July 1. Details of these arrangements are still being confirmed,’ the spokesman added.
However we may not be out of the woods yet. The Arran Recovery Group has also been busy this week holding talks with government ministers, officials, tourism bodies and council representatives.
Members say it may only be possible to salvage £32 million from the tourist season this summer – down from £69 million last year and still putting many tourist businesses in trouble. CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said in a statement: ‘I am pleased that due to some very hard work, we have been able to bring forward both our new interim timetables, the second by two weeks. I am sure this will make a big difference to those island businesses who rely on the summer season.
‘From July 1 to July 14 we will be introducing phase one of a new interim timetable which will increase sailings while strictly following the Scottish government and Transport Scotland’s travel guidelines and safety measures. This includes physical distancing which dictates the number of passengers we can carry.
‘From July 15 onwards we will implement phase two of our interim timetable which will see a further increase in sailings.’
‘To help us manage demand more effectively, foot passengers will be able to book in advance on some routes. Which routes this applies to will be sign posted on the website.’