CalMac confirms additional winter services to Islay
Monday, October 15 2007
Earlier I wrote about Islay's possible new ferry, being the Saturn (picture right). The article below, which recently appeared in the Ileach, shows that a second ferry will sail during the winter period. It is however not confirmed that this second ferry will be the Saturn. Indications are however that this could be very well possible. More info about that soon!
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that additional sailings are being provided on the Islay service to meet the demands of the burgeoning whisky industry. Following an approach from the island’s distillers, who are experiencing unprecedented levels of demand and increasing production levels, CalMac agreed to investigate ways in which the pressure on current traffic availability could be alleviated. This has now led to the confirmation of a series of additional sailings which will begin on October 21, 2007. The two-vessel service will operate until the end of the Winter timetable in March 2008, except for two key periods when a single vessel service will apply, due to CalMac’s overhaul requirements: Saturday, November 10, 2007 – Saturday, November 24 inclusive and Saturday, January 26, 2008 – Wednesday, February 16, 2008 inclusive. (These sailings are highlighted in bold on the Calmac Islay winter timetable) (opens in a new window.)
Fay Harris, CalMac’s Regional Manager Islay said: 'Clearly, the whisky industry is having a very good spell with lots of extra traffic being generated. Whilst this is obviously very welcome, it creates an additional demand for space which we can only meet at this time by creating additional capacity on extra sailings. We have consulted with the distillers and local hauliers to address their specific concerns and the timetable we have devised should enable them to meet their production requirements. We have been able to dovetail our own overhaul programme to coincide with the pressure points and the solution we have achieved will undoubtedly benefit the whole island.' The distillers have welcomed the additional capacity being offered.
Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs, Scotch Whisky Association, said: 'The industry has had helpful discussions with CalMac and the Scottish Government in recent months and the improvements to capacity serving Islay are a big step forward. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to ensure the service is able to support the growing international demand for Islay whiskies, which is so integral to the local economy.' Details of the additional sailings are being made available through CalMac’s website and will be made widely available through local media and leaflets, which are also available on ships and in terminals.
What's Related |
Story Options |