Coronavirus: CalMac to end bookings from tomorrow

The west coast ferry operator is to switch to a first-come-first-served operation with no new bookings until July.

CalMac is Britain's biggest ferry operator. Picture: John Devlin.

Hot food on board will also be ended from tomorrow to free up staff for cleaning and other duties during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Existing bookings will be honoured if services continue to run but no new reservations can be made for travel before 15 July.

CalMac said that was “to reflect the four-month period advised by Scottish Government as being the initial period of Covid-19 disruption”.

It said the emergency services and medical emergencies would continue to be given priority.

Catering in ferries will be reduced to hot and bottled drinks and pre-packaged food such as sandwiches and snacks.

CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said: “The Covid-19 outbreak is creating an ever-changing landscape not just for CalMac but for all transport operators.

'Whilst we are currently able to continue operating our normal timetabled service, we have to plan for the impact of the virus on our staff on vessels, ports and support services.

“It has been prudent, therefore, to put in place an immediate stop on customers being able to book services in advance.

“We will effectively be operating a turn-up-and-go service on all of our routes.

“This will reflect arrangements we already have in place permanently in a number of locations across the network, such as Wemyss Bay and Rothesay.”