Ferry operator CalMac offers free travel to Ukrainian refugees under new initiative

FERRY operator CalMac is showing its support to people fleeing from the conflict in the Ukraine by offering free ferry travel to Ukrainian refugees.

CalMac, which runs the route between Ullapool and Stornoway, is the UK's largest ferry operator, running 29 routes to over 50 destinations across 200 miles of Scotland's west coast.

In order to support the UK Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme,’ refugees will be provided with free sailings by CalMac when travelling within 48 hours of their arrival to the UK.

CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said: “This small initiative aims to make what is already a very difficult time that little bit easier for those affected by this conflict.”

The free travel offer will not affect passengers who are already booked onto sailings or have priority travel. If a sailing is full, then those using the offer will be booked onto the next one if space allows.

Its fleet of 35 vessels complete approximately 136,000 sailings a year with crossings ranging from five minutes to five and a half hours.

In 2019, its busiest year to date, it carried more than 5.6 million passengers. CalMac provides an everyday lifeline service to west coast communities, and for tourism, plays a critical role in enabling its development, which is hugely important for the area's economy.

Full details of the initiative are available via calmac.co.uk.

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