Supplementary information

Until Further Notice

Due to an oil leak, MV Lord of the Isles port stabiliser has been temporarily taken out of operation. As a result, there are now limitations in place regarding the weather and sea states in which the vessel can safely operate and service is at risk of short notice disruption or cancellation.

Our Fleet Management team is working with the manufacturer and external stakeholders regarding options for temporary and permanent repair to allow the stabiliser to return to operation.

Further information on this will be provided as soon as available.

MV Hebridean Isles – Reduced Catering

Until Further Notice

Due to reduced crew availability, only light snacks will be available on the MV Hebridean Isles sailings.

Filled breakfast rolls are available on the morning sailings.

Wednesdays until 16th October

Due to crew hours of rest, there will be no hot food served on the 21:05 sailing from Port Askaig to Kennacraig on Wednesday's during the summer.
Teas, coffees and light snacks will be available.

24th May - 3rd June

We will be running additional sailings for visitors travelling to and from Islay's Fèis Ìle in May and June 2024, following consultation with local communities, and other routes will be temporarily impacted as a result. If you have a booking in place that is affected, we do apologise for this, and our port team will be in touch with you in date order to provide further information and support.

Amended timetables will operate on the following routes and all details can found here.

Parking at Kennacraig Port

During the Feis Isle period, a pre-designated parking area will be available at Kennacraig ferry terminal for those customers holding a Blue Badge, in addition to the existing accessible parking spaces.
These spaces will be available on a limited, first-come-first-served basis. Commercial vehicle parking restrictions will also be in operation.
Customers are asked to follow instruction from our port team, and the temporary signage which will be in place. 

Port Askaig Closure, 19 June – 30 July

Amended timetables will be in operation to/from Islay and Colonsay between Wednesday 19 June and Tuesday 30 July, to allow for the next phase of Caledonian Maritime Asset Limited’s (CMAL) infrastructure works at Port Askaig ferry terminal.
Please visit our dedicated section for important details relevant to those who are intending to travel to/from Islay and Colonsay during this period – including information on how we’ll support customers.

Bus Connections

Customers using the connecting bus service to Kennacraig are advised to make themselves known to the bus driver to allow them to inform the Port Office of expected passenger numbers.

Parking at Kennacraig and Islay

Please note, spaces are limited in the car parks at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen, please plan ahead before travelling.

Turn Up and Go and Bookable route online purchases. If you have purchased tickets online as a group or for any number of travel companions, for use on any of our Turn Up and Go or Bookable routes, the full party must travel on the same sailing. This applies to both legs of your journey. If you are unsure if all members of your group are travelling together, please complete separate transactions online.

Pedal Cyclists - Please note when travelling as a pedal cyclist in the event of a diversion disruption, transport between Port Ellen and Port Askaig cannot be guaranteed due to limited transport availability. Our staff will do all they can to support this. However, due to the volume of traffic at busier periods a transfer between ports may not be possible.

Connecting Services - For customers using connecting services please note these services do not always guarantee a connection, particularly during times of disruption. We advise that you check both CalMac and connecting service websites prior to travel to ensure you can reach your end destination safely.

Stay Safe - When travelling with us, we strongly recommend our customers follow our safer travel guidance. Before travel, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the details.

Payment Information - Contactless payment is quick and easy. If you're travelling with us, please do so using a contactless payment method. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Apple, Google or Samsung Pay. If you need assistance, please speak with a member of staff. 

Last Updated: 19 May 2024 07:36