Temporary timetable extended
Ferry operator Calmac’s reduced service timetable, which was initially scheduled to end on Sunday, has been extended for two week’s owing to Covid-related staff absenteeism and will now continue until Sunday February 6.
Ferry operator Calmac’s reduced service timetable, which was initially scheduled to end on Sunday, has been extended for two week’s owing to Covid-related staff absenteeism and will now continue until Sunday February 6.
CalMac staff come to work every day with the aim of providing communities on Scotland’s west coast with a high-quality service; and with public safety as their top priority. Over the past two years this goal has been placed under a level of stress that none of us have ever experienced before.
The full extent of the Arran ferry crisis was laid bare in front of the new Scottish transport minister, Graeme Dey, when he visited Arran last week.
All departments at CalMac will return to full normal working hours by the middle of October, managing director Robbie Drummond has confirmed.
Scotland’s tourism businesses, including pubs, hotels and restaurants, have been told to prepare to reopen on July 15. But tourism secretary Fergus Ewing told the Scottish Parliament the date was conditional on moving to the third phase of the route map for easing lockdown restrictions.
Demands have been made for all ferry bookings to be cancelled to prevent Arran from being considered for visiting with Easter just a week away.
Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson has expressed his disappointment with the CalMac fleet reshuffle which will see disruption and changes to the ferry timetables and services on Arran and across Scotland.