Scottish Government
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Ardrossan-Campbeltown ferry sets sail
Regular service brought in following successful pilot
A summer ferry service between Ardrossan and Campbeltown will be made permanent, Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay has announced.
The announcement follows a successful pilot service, which ran over the past three summers and transported an average of over 10,000 passengers and 2,000 cars per year.
The new service will be part of an enhanced summer timetable for CalMac services, which will be confirmed shortly and is due to come into operation next year.
Mr Mackay said:
“I’m very pleased to announce the ferry link between Ardrossan and Campbeltown will become a permanent feature of the CalMac summer timetable.
“The pilot service proved incredibly popular and I’m sure this announcement will be welcomed by passengers and the communities at either side of the route.
“This will be a real boost for the local economy, enhancing transport links to Campbeltown and the Kintyre Peninsula, as well as supporting the tourist trade by making it easier and more attractive for visitors.
“This new service is one of a number of enhancements being brought in as part of next year’s summer timetable, which will increase overall capacity across the Clyde and Hebrides network and make sure we get the most out of our ferry fleet.
“The enhanced timetable, along with our order for two new major vessels for the West Coast ferry fleet, underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to essential ferry services for the communities that rely on them and will ensure that our islands and remote communities remain attractive and accessible to visitors.”
CalMac's Director of Operations Drew Collier said:
“Passenger numbers on this route during the trial confirm that the demand is there for a regular ferry link and we look forward to delivering this service next year in support of the local community in Campbeltown.”
Notes To Editors
CalMac will confirm the details of the enhanced timetable for the Clyde and Hebrides Services for summer 2016 in due course.
