Outside ferry seating up but still restrictions

More capacity has been freed up on the Arran ferries but numbers allowed on board remain restricted.

There are hopes the one-metre distancing rules still operating on the ferries could be lifted on August 9 when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce a further easing of restrictions.

However, after lobbying by the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee and other island groups, CalMac, after carrying out an assessment by its marine team, last weekend doubled the number of outdoor seats available to 50 on both ferries serving the Ardrossan to Brodick route.

These will be available depending on weather and at the skipper’s discretion and while the recent weather has not been an issue, the problem is that if the weather is changeable and passengers want to sit inside they then breach the one-metre distancing and could be compromised, hence the caution.

The MV Caledonian Isles is currently operating with 276 vs 960 (29 per cent) capacity and the MV Isle of Arran at 79 vs 448 (17.6 per cent) capacity.

If the government restrictions are removed from August 9, CalMac will need to reboot its systems with the revised numbers which it will do overnight on receiving Transport Scotland notification, which will then allow passengers to book ahead.

Tommy Gore, area operations manager (Clyde) for CalMac, said: ‘I appreciate how hard this past year has been on all of our customers and I am very grateful for their continued support and patience.

‘Once it has been confirmed than physical distancing rules will be removed by the Scottish government, we will make it a priority to increase to full capacity when we are legally permitted to.’

Meanwhile, bookings on the Campbeltown ferry service, which is now calling at Brodick on Thursday and Friday, as well as Saturday are being well supported.

As a result the ferry committee has asked that these sailings, operated by the MV Isle of Arran, be extended until September, which is being considered.