CalMac's new timetable adds services and extends sailings

Published on Monday 21 September 2009 22:05

NEW sailings and timetable changes have been announced by west coast ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne for 16 of its routes from next month.

They include extra services between Skye and Harris, and between Mallaig and the Small Isles.

Sailings will also be stepped up between Ardnamurchan and Mull, and Kintyre-Gigha, while the late Saturday Skye-Raasay service will be extended year-round. An extra Kintyre-Arran service on Sundays will run next summer.

Other changes will affect several routes from Oban, and others in the Western Isles and Argyll, and services to Bute.

Phil Preston, CalMac's managing director, said: "Most of the planned changes proposed are being undertaken as a result of direct requests from the communities we serve.

"I believe this amply demonstrates our desire to do what we can to provide the best service possible."

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson, who approved the changes, said: "These reflect government commitment to improving ferry services to our remote and island communities."