Today some updates were announced by Nicola Sturgeon in parliament, and CalMac also made some announcements:
- Self-catering properties will now be allowed to open from July 3rd. I
T IS NOT KNOWN if this will apply to the islands. In other words, it is not clear whether CalMac will permit travel to anyone with a self-catering booking from July 3rd. Clarification has been sought from Transport Scotland.Transport Scotland have now confirmed this applies to use of ferries, and it is planned that non-residents may use ferries from July 3rd to go on holiday to a self-contained self catering property. - The five mile limit on travel for recreation will be lifted on July 3rd.
IT IS NOT KNOWN if this will apply to ferry use also. In other words, it is not clear whether CalMac will permit travel to anyone travelling to/from the islands for recreation from July 3rd. Clarification has been sought from Transport Scotland.It has also been confirmed that this relaxation applies to ferry use. It is planned that anyone can use the ferry system for a recreational trip without distance limit from July 3rd. - CalMac have confirmed that a new timetable (with five returns/day to Craignure and 11/day to Fishnish) will run from July 1st to July 14th. It will be published on 26th June, and bookings will be open for this timetable from 30th June.
- Timetables will be updated on 15th, particularly with the addition of the MV Coruisk. You will be allowed to stay in your car for the crossing. She is planned to undertake three return sailings per day. The timetables operating from July 15th will be published on July 2nd, and bookings will also open for this timetable on July 2nd.
- Oban – Craignure foot passengers will need to book in advance from July 1st.
- Fishnish-Lochaline, Fionnphort-Iona and Tobermory – Kilchoan will remain as turn-up-and-go, with plans to make them bookable now dropped.
- CalMac are working toward making ‘outer deck only’ foot passenger tickets available on the MV Isle of Mull, on a turn-up-and-go basis. Yet to be confirmed.
- Scottish Government have the 2 metre social-distancing rule under review. If it changes, this will have a big impact on available passenger spaces – currently the limit (before use of the outside decks) on the Isle of Mull is 104, or just 10% of her total capacity.
- Remember – face coverings are now mandatory on ferries, unless you have a medical exemption.