Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed confirmation from Transport Minister Graeme Dey MSP that motorhomes and caravans will be restricted from using "standby" lanes for ferries.

Standby lanes are generally used by CalMac to allow for use the spaces of those who haven't turned up for their booked journey, and this primarily benefits islanders who often have to travel at short notice. However, over the summer there have been reports of motorhomes parking in the standby queues at ferry terminals overnight.

From now on, for all bookable CalMac routes motorhomes and caravans will not be given standby or waitlist positions on the day of sailing.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The standby lanes for ferries, while limited, are aimed primarily at helping islanders, since they more often need to travel at short notice while visitors tend to book far in advance.

“I have been receiving reports of motorhomes parking in the standby queues at ports overnight, exploiting the fact they are able to sleep in their vehicles and queue ahead of everyone else.

“This isn’t what the standby lanes are supposed to be for, and I am glad to see this particular loophole closed.”