Christmas with CalMac
It's the most wonderful time of year on the west coast.
Whether you're combing the net for that perfect last minute gift, or planning how best to spend a few days rest and relaxation over the festive period, we've got Christmas covered at CalMac. Here's a few ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year on the West Coast:
Get yourself into the Christmas spirit on Bute
Take time out of the hectic Christmas build up with a jaunt to the Isle of Bute. It's one of our most accessible island day trips in Scotland - you can be a world away from the hustle and bustle of cities and towns in just a couple of hours.
Once on the island, take yourself off to Mount Stuart - Bute's very own gothic mansion. Although the house itself is closed, their Spirit of Christmas Garden trail is open and will run right through to Hogmanay. On the lawn within what is one of the most glorious Scottish gardens, you'll find some trees adorned with Christmas baubles. Inside each one is a treat for you. In the spirit of Christmas, you must then replace that treat with something for the next person - that might be a drawing, a message, or even a lottery ticket! The choice is yours. It's a great way to experience some Christmas spirit and perhaps teach younger ones about the importance of giving, as well as receiving.
Give the gift of travel and adventure
Speaking of giving, if you're still looking for gift ideas for your nearest and dearest - how about the gift of adventure? With our travel gift vouchers, you can give your loved one a special trip to any one of our 24 island destinations. They'll be free to set sail when they choose, perhaps to a favourite location, or to somewhere new that's always been on their West Coast bucket list.
Or, you could gift them a day's adventure by booking them onto our CalMac Adventures offering - a selection of day trips to some of the West Coast's most memorable island attractions. Perhaps they'd enjoy a day out to one of Scotland's prettiest, and most colourful, harbour towns - Tobermory on Mull. With an Adventure ticket, they'll sail across to the Majestic Isle of Mull from Oban. From Craignure, they'll be whisked through the island's glorious scenery by bus, before arriving in Tobermory. There's plenty of time to explore the town. They'll be able to visit its independent art and craft shops or distillery, taste its legendary seafood and enjoy its stunning scenery and wildlife. It's sure to be an extra special memory.
Blow the cobwebs away with a festive day trip
Perhaps you'd like to make the most of any time off over the festive season by getting the family out into the outdoors after Christmas Day. Winter on Scotland's west coast offers a fresh set of reasons to visit. Yes - the weather can be changeable, but it's not always the case. The light and colours are glorious at this time of year - giving fresh perspective to our landscapes.
Why not make the most of a crisp, clear day with a trip to see the beautiful scenery on your doorstep. Our destinations are close to some of the most memorable Scottish walks. For instance, perhaps you could enjoy one of the coastal walks on Arran, soaking up the island's historical caves and castles. Maybe you could hop on a bike and cycle around Cumbrae, or for something entirely different, sail to Skye to see the dinosaur footprints - making the crossing by boat for an added bit of adventure. Any one of these options will put a new spin on the family festive walk.
Visit our offerings, for tours or view our destinations and plan a trip over the Christmas holiday.
Finally, to all our current and future customers - we wish you a Happy Christmas and all the very best for the coming year.