Home   News   Article

CalMac chiefs hail 'encouraging' public response to Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown, after passenger numbers plunge 95 per cent; the news comes just hours after first virus cases were confirmed in the Outer Hebrides


By Philip Murray

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
CalMac's Robbie Drummond.
CalMac's Robbie Drummond.

FERRY passenger numbers have plunged 95% since the coronavirus pandemic – and CalMac chiefs have voiced their delight that the public are obeying lockdown rules.

The west coast ferry operator, which runs the Ullapool-Stornoway route among dozens of others, introduced an essential lifeline timetable last week aimed at keeping essential goods, services and people going to and from the islands.

Since then the company has carried just 2593 passengers compared to 57,233 for the same period last year, a drop of 95 per cent. Some services are running with just one or two passengers along with the essential goods and services.

"It is hugely encouraging that the public are paying attention to the Government advice of do not travel unless your journey is absolutely essential," said CalMac's managing director, Robbie Drummond.

"We are fully committed to keeping lifeline services running to the islands we support, bringing in food, fuel and medical supplies and taking off goods vital to keeping local economies running.

"The vast majority of people are getting that message loud and clear and we are only turning away a very small number at our ports."

Throughout March commercial vehicles are also down by 32 per cent over the same period last year.

CalMac operates a fleet of 33 vessels servicing 28 routes from Campbeltown in the south to Stornoway in the north.

Mr Drummond added: "This has been an extremely challenging time for our staff and our communities, and I want to praise both for the way in which they have handed these unique circumstances."

CalMac is seeking evidence of island residency or key worker status for all customers on all sailings.

Commercial customers have been made aware that they are expected to provide evidence to their drivers that they are carrying essential goods or providing essential services as defined by the Scottish Government.

CalMac has also published essential travel guidance on its website and last Thursday it published posters at ports and on vessels about essential travel and self-isolation.

Click here to read more Ross-shire news.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More