CalMac hopes for another quiet holiday weekend

Ferry operator CalMac is hoping for a repeat of Easter this May holiday weekend when people heeded the advice to stay at home.

CalMac is continuing its checks on people travelling for non-essential reasons with port staff now asking to see a driver's licence for proof that they are an island resident, or evidence that they are a key worker, before being allowed to board.  

CalMac is reinforcing the government's stay home, protect the NHS, save lives message after seeing a recent increase in people trying to travel for day trips, particularly on the Clyde.

'The good weather may tempt people to get out and about, but I would urge everyone to continue to follow government guidelines and stay home, Getting a day trip to the beach is not essential travel and we will have no hesitation in refusing to board anyone who does not have a legitimate reason to sail with us,' said CalMac 's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison.

CalMac turned away 35 people from Largs, Wemyss Bay and Ardrossan over the last weekend.

'It should not have to be down to staff to ensure people are not travelling. There has to be an element of personal responsibility taken and people really need to be asking themselves is my journey really necessary. If it's for leisure and recreation the answer is clearly no,' added Robert

Passenger and vehicle numbers are down 95% across CalMac's 28 routes. ends