Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that Arran will continue to have a two-vessel service during the summer.
The two-vessel operation, which has been hailed as possibly the single biggest ferry development for the island in a generation, has been a significant success when operated over the summer months.
Arran’s ferry committee fully supports the announcement. Chairman Ken Thorburn said: ‘Based on the success of the second vessel during 2007, I firmly believe that the benefits to customers and the island are there for everyone to see and I would expect an increase in the total carrying figures during the coming years.’
The MV Saturn ran alongside the MV Caledonian Isles considerably easing the volume of commercial traffic using the Caledonian Isles.
Robbie Brown, CalMac’s regional manager for Arran said: ‘This is a major step forward for the island and its ferry services. We have established quite clearly over the last two summers how the two-vessel service can help the island through better usage of the main vessel MV Caledonian Isles and the second vessel MV Saturn.
Hauliers
‘The hauliers in particular have benefited from the increased flexibility.
‘Likewise our regular customers now know that as we are accommodating commercial vehicles on the second ship, there is much more space available on the main vessel which operates the core timetable.’
Details of the revised timetables will be made available through CalMac’s website as soon as possible and will also be distributed locally.
Mr Brown added: ‘We are now in a position to market the summer service much earlier than we have before and this can only be to the island’s benefit.
Having a more intensive service opens up the market to day trippers and gives customers an increased range of options which I am sure will be welcomed.’
The transport of goods to and from the island has always been a problem during the busy summer months but using the MV Saturn has alleviated the problem.
Ken Thorburn said: ‘In the knowledge that we will have the second vessel during the summer long-term, transport companies on and off the island will be better able to plan and make use of the available sailings.’
Two weeks ago, the Scottish Government confirmed that, following the recent tender process CalMac had been awarded the contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services.
As part of the contract there will be an additional daily return sailing on the Ardrossan/ Brodick service during the winter.
