ALLAN WELCOMES EXTRA SATURDAY SAILING

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed Calmac's decision to pilot a third sailing for Saturday evenings on the Stornoway – Ullapool route, after the MSP asked them to consider this option.  

This will take place over the course of the next three weeks. The late Saturday sailing will depart Stornoway at 2200 hrs and a return sailing will leave Ullapool at 0045hrs. Normal fares and terms and conditions will apply and a minimal catering service will be provided. Customers have also been advised that there are no public transport connections to these additional services.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“I welcome Calmac’s positive response to my request for a third Saturday sailing. This will provide some much needed additional capacity over the next 3 weeks.

“Calmac note the unprecedented demand there has been on this route. Tourist numbers appear to be at an all time high with, for example, the number of motor homes using this route now 10 times what they were a decade ago. Increased tourism brings obvious economic benefits but this should not hinder islanders’ ability to get to and from the mainland.

“This is why I have made the case to the government for an additional ferry and I am pleased the Transport Minister has been actively trying to find a suitable vessel to charter. Ultimately, this shows the importance of investment in new vessels and the record levels of funding being allocated to ferry services.”