Campervan ban for CalMac standby queue

Motorhomes, campervans and caravans will no longer be accepted in standby queues for CalMac sailings on the Ardrossan to Brodick route.

The decision comes after discussions with Transport Scotland and island stakeholder groups and it is intended to prioritise islanders and passengers who need accommodation and to ensure that capacity is used more efficiently.

Finlay MacRae, head of operations for CalMac, said: ‘To prioritise customers without alternative accommodation and to optimise deck space at the end of loading, motorhomes, campervans and vehicles towing caravans will no longer be given a standby or waitlist position on all bookable routes – either at the reservation stage or on the day of sailing.

‘Restricting larger vehicles in standby lanes will allow us to make the best use of any remaining space for smaller vehicles, whose occupants may not have alternative options available for accommodation. It will also remove the issue of smaller vehicles having to be pulled out of car lanes if that is all that can be shipped at the end of the loading process. This does not apply to motorhomes, campervans and vehicles towing caravans that belong to island residents who will continue to be able to use standby options. Island residency will be confirmed at point of booking or application to join the standby queue and can be evidenced with a proof of address from a utility bill or similar.’

The new restrictions are due to be implemented with immediate effect and do not apply to the Lochranza to Claonaig route which is unbookable.