Rush for bookings as ferry capacity rises
Capacity on Arran's ferries will return to normal on Monday, CalMac has confirmed.
There has been a rush of bookings since reservations for additional capacity opened up on Wednesday as Scottish families tried to book the last full week of the school summer holidays.
It means the MV Caledonian Isles can return to carrying up to 1,000 passengers and 110 cars, while the MV Isle of Arran can accommodate 448 passengers and 76 cars. Numbers will also be back to normal on the MV Catriona from Lochranza to Claonaig.
CalMac has confirmed changes to capacities on its ferries following the First Minister's announcement this week. Ferries have been operating at around 30 per cent of normal capacity.
While this will improve capacity for foot passengers, vehicle ticket availability is likely to remain limited on some services, as capacity on car decks is already being reached during periods of high demand, CalMac say.
Passengers are being advised to plan ahead as much as they can as their preferred choice of sailing may not always be available. The ferry summer timetables remain as published. To reduce the risk of new Covid-19 strains spreading, some mitigations will remain in place. Face coverings will continue to be mandatory inside ferries and ports unless exempt and increased vessel turnaround times will continue to allow for enhanced cleaning. Perspex screens will be retained in ports and on vessels for the protection of staff and passengers.
CalMac operations director Robert Morrison said: ‘It is good news we are finally able to open up our ferries to their full capacities following the relaxation of Covid regulations. I know this has been a source of great frustration for communities, businesses and travellers during an extremely busy summer period. With many people focusing on holidaying at home and a period of sustained good weather, it has placed extra pressure on the system.
‘It is vital to note, however, that we still recommend booking ahead as many of the car deck spaces are already reaching capacity. The majority of the capacity being freed up is for passenger space on deck.
‘We are really looking forward to welcoming more passengers on board and providing that world class service we are renowned for.'