The increases to motorhome fares we reported on in December have been clarified by Transport Scotland, after we noticed that the published fares for smaller campervans had not increased as was expected.
The fare multiplier will only apply to motorhomes of more than 6 metres in length. So the new fares for Craignure-Oban are below, with car and commercial vehicle fares for comparison.
| 2021 Fare | 2022 Fare | |
| Car | £14.25 | £14.70 |
| Motorhome 6m and below | £14.25 | £14.70 |
| Motorhome under 8m | £21.40 | £36.75 |
| Motorhome under 10m | £28.50 | £44.10 |
| Commercial Vehicle 10m | £145.20 | £149.78 |
One criticism of the motorhome fares as originally communicated was that it did not discriminate between holiday makers from the mainland and campervan drivers from the island. For many people on the islands, a campervan is their only motor vehicle. There is still no distinction based on residence, but island-owned vans tend to be smaller, which it has now been confirmed will continue to be charged the car rate.
Its also worth noting that 60% of all motorhomes using the CalMac ferry network are under 6m in length, so the fare multiplier will only affect 40% of motorhomes travelling to the islands.
With a fare jump of 150% for motorhomes of 6.1m compared to 6.0m, it is likely to incentivise those hiring motorhomes to opt for smaller models.
Its also worth remembering that there is a distinction between a motorhome/campervan that was sold as such from new, and a van that has subsequently been converted. This will be an important distinction for those driving campervans of 6m and above that technically are converted vans. If there is uncertainty about whether your vehicle will be charged as a van or a motorhome, CalMac will look to your V5 document. You will be charged as a motorhome if your V5 states ‘Motorhome’ or ‘Motorcaravan’. Full guidance on how CalMac decide whether your vehicle is a motorhome or a van can be read here.
The new fares take effect from the start of the summer timetable.