Caledonian MacBrayne extends its 'essential lifeline timetables' until May 14; CalMac's move comes amid efforts to restrict non-essential travel during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown
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FERRY operator CalMac's vastly reduced 'essential lifeline timetables' will operate until at least the middle of May, after it extended their intended duration by another week.
Caledonian MacBrayne, which operates 28 ferry routes on the west coast, including the Ullapool-Stornoway service, said the extension was part of its ongoing response to the Covid-19 lockdown.
"Please check the service status for this route before you travel," said a spokesman, who added that the new timetable will run until May 14 and will be "subject to continual review in a rapidly changing environment".
"We are operating a turn up and go service for essential travel only and in line with government advice have closed our onboard retail facilities at this time.
"Please note our ports at Stornoway and Ullapool are operating to reduced opening hours due to the reduced timetable."
The current passenger ferry service between Ullapool and Stornoway has been reduced to one sailing per day in each direction, and can be used for essential travel only.
Between Mondays and Saturdays the passenger ferry leaves Stornoway at 3pm, arriving at Ullapool at 5.30pm before a return trip departs the Wester Ross port at 6.30pm.
On Sundays the Stornoway departure sails at 2.30pm, with a return from Ullapool at 6.30pm
A 7am Stornoway departure and 11.30am Ullapool return are also running daily between Mondays and Saturdays, but these are intended for freight traffic – although a small number of passenger-only spaces may be available by prior arrangement.
For the latest updates, visit CalMac's website.
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