Timetable amendments to ease disruption to Rothesay
Ferry operator CalMac is running an amended timetable to the Isle of Bute to try and minimise disruption caused by the withdrawal of one of the island's two vessels.
A technical issue with the MV Bute's gearbox has resulted in the vessel being withdrawn from service, leaving the MV Coruisk as the single vessel serving the Wemyss Bay-Rothesay route.
The MV Argyle that normally serves the island is currently in its annual dry dock and not due back in service until November 19 . The MV Bute is not likely to be back on the route until Thursday (November 17) at the earliest.
'It is unfortunate that this has happened when the one of the route's normal vessels is in dry dock and although there will inevitably be some disruption, which we apologise for, we are doing all we can to minimise this,' said CalMac's director of operations, Drew Collier.
The MV Dunvegan will carry out an extra sailing in the evening to offer extra capacity to the island across the Rhubodach - Colintraive crossing. Vehicle traffic is being urged to consider using this crossing option for getting to the mainland if possible over the next few days to help ease congestion.
The company has also organised a bus service via Dunoon to offer another option for foot passengers which will run dependent on demand.
'We are looking at all options to try and minimise this disruption as much as possible and although any inconvenience caused is very regrettable, we are working round the clock to get the Bute back in service as soon as possible.'
Please check out www.calmac.co.uk website for details of the amended timetable and @calmac_updates on Twitter for the latest service information.