CalMac's controversial winter timetable decisions spark angry reaction

The ferry committees of both islands have expressed concern and disappointment at the decisions taken by CalMac.

Joe Reade, chairman of Mull and Iona Ferry Committee, said: “The ferry committee never campaigned for a two-vessel service in winter – a good timetable could be provided by the Isle of Mull operating on her own.

"We did ask for her operating hours to be extended, however, it was refused on cost grounds. Then the much more costly decision was taken to buy the Loch Frisa and dedicate her to the Craignure-Oban route. She is unable to operate between any other two ports.

"However, due to her small size and slow speed, she is not capable of maintaining the service on her own. So a second vessel is needed to fill in the timetable gaps and add capacity.

"It is a very expensive solution to the service needs of Mull and Iona, but a necessary one given how inappropriate the Frisa is. 

"Despite agreeing two vessels are necessary, CalMac has not yet been able to provide them for a full winter period.

"We hope that once both vessels have been delivered by Fergusons and more of the Turkish vessels are in service, we might have a more consistent and full timetable from winter 25/26.”

Uncertainty surrounding the availability of new vessels the MV Glen Sannox and MV Isle of Islay means CalMac is currently unable to say which ferries will run after January 4. 

CalMac has apologised for the disappointment. 

Pauline Blackshaw, strategy and change director for CalMac, said: “After engaging with local communities and listening to their views during the planning of the winter timetables, we have tried our best to meet their needs using the resources we have available.

"We fully understand the disappointment and concerns raised by the ferry committees on Islay and Mull regarding the upcoming winter timetables, particularly the impact of single vessel operation.

"We want to reassure the communities that we have worked hard to minimise these periods as much as possible.

"Unfortunately, our fleet is currently stretched to its absolute limits and this has been further compounded by the additional time required for essential maintenance in dock.

"We know how vital these services are for the islands and we genuinely share the frustration around the constraints we are facing.

"Please be assured that this timetable is the best we can deliver under the present circumstances. However, we remain hopeful that, with the planned delivery of new vessels, we will be able to alleviate some of these pressures and improve the reliability of service.

"We are committed to doing everything within our power to serve the needs of Islay and Mull and we will continually review deployment over the winter months, aiming to make any improvements we can. Our goal remains to provide the best possible service to these communities, even within the current limitations.”