Islay Ferry Temporary Timetable

A lot has been written lately about the Islay Ferry and earlier I wrote about the summer timetables coming into effect on 30 March. Due to the closure of Port Askaig untill May 7th the ferry is diverted to Port Ellen and Calmac has issued a temporary timetable which is valid untill May 7th, providing the works at Port Askaig will be finished.

This is not the only Islay Ferry news available. Recently a public meeting was held on Islay where Calmac presented details of the new vessel which will service the Kennacraig to Islay route from 2010 onwards. A quote from the Ileach: The basic outline of the new vessel was confirmed after an extensive appraisal of the island route and its facilities. The ship will be some 85m long and capable of 16.5 knots, will be a modern Ro-Ro Euro Class B passenger vessel designed to carry 550 passengers, up to 80 private cars, as well as coaches, and commercial traffic. The new vessel will bring a significant increase in capacity compared to the existing service provision. The vessel will be capable of the carriage of dangerous goods. The vessel is expected to cost £20-25 million, which is a major investment in ferry services to Islay.

Passengers will be accommodated on two well-appointed decks, with access gained at the lower of the two from an enclosed passenger gangway. There will be two lifts, one on each side of the ship, to all decks. The ship will be built in line with DPTAC guidance on facilities for customers whose mobility is impaired. Facilities on the vessel will include a restaurant/ café; children’s play area and specified dog area.