Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is gearing up for what is often the busiest weekend of the summer season on the Upper Clyde with the Cowal Gathering taking place in Dunoon this weekend August 28-30.

A number of special arrangements are being put in place at Gourock to facilitate an easy transition from road and rail access to ships. Due to the increased traffic conveyed over the games weekend, parking in the centre car park at Gourock Ferry Terminal will be restricted. The restrictions will be eased around the terminal building over the weekend as pressure on space decreases. This should be of assistance to regular customers.

Donna Derrick, Gourock Port Manager said: “We anticipate a very busy weekend once again this year.   CalMac will do everything possible to ensure that visitors to the Gathering enjoy the event and that we will play our part in helping people on their way to what should be another memorable occasion. I would like to remind customers that through tickets to Dunoon are obtainable on trains from Glasgow Central station to Gourock and this will help us speed up the traffic.”

Customers are also reminded that, in line with local byelaws, drinking alcohol in public is forbidden in Gourock and Dunoon. This will be strictly enforced. Customers are reminded that only alcohol purchased on board may be consumed on ships.  CalMac will be making use of its CCTV system at Gourock Ferry Terminal to monitor passenger safety and revenue control.

Donna Derrick added: “There are obviously a number of changes to our schedule and I would advise customers to check with us before hand if they have any doubt about the times of last timetabled sailings which are 2045 from Dunoon on Friday and then 2130 on Saturday. I would ask that taxis drop customers off in the train station waiting area as this will enable their passengers to access queues quicker. I would also like to remind coach operators that they can book departure in advance from Gourock to Dunoon but not on the return leg of the journey. CalMac is focusing on getting customers to and from the Cowal Gathering safely and in good time with the minimum of delay.”

Timetable information

Thursday 28 August  : 
Normal service in operation

Friday 29 August :  
Normal service until 0850 with the first sailing from Gourock departing at 0620. A two vessel 1/2 hourly service will operate for the remainder of the day starting at 0850 from Gourock. The last sailing on Friday will be leaving Gourock at 2018 and leaving Dunoon at 2045.

Saturday 30 August : 
Two vessels will be operating a frequent service between Gourock and Dunoon, with the first ferry departing Gourock at 0620 and the first sailing from Dunoon at 0650.  Additional  passenger-only sailings will be provided by MV Alicat as required.  The last timetabled service will depart Dunoon at 2130.

Sunday 31 August : 
There will be a normal Sunday service operating to the published timetable, with additional vehicle/passenger sailings as required. 

Customers should note that the timetable is liable to some disruption over the weekend due to volume of traffic.

This will be an extremely busy weekend for CalMac on all the Upper Clyde routes. Customers are advised to arrive as early as possible, and allow for traffic delays and queuing at all locations. Ferries will be busy and CalMac is asking that customers allow extra journey time.
 
For up to date information, customers should contact Gourock on 01475 650226 or Dunoon on 01369 706491.

Ends

For further information, contact : :

David Cannon
Public Affairs Manager
Caledonian MacBrayne
Tel: 01475 650371
Mob: 07595 092332
david.cannon@calmac.co.uk

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited

Issued: 27 August 2008