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Topic: Calmac ferries

ficklejade

29/5/2020 at 11:39am
Location: Isle of Mull
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For those who are planning ahead, the article link below may be of interest:

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1335767/exclusive-........

This is NOT set in stone, but I do know a number of people outside of this forum who have deferred their bookings until later in the year, so thought it might be advisable to post on here as well.

Our existing lifeline timetable is in place till 14th June and will be updated as and when the SG say so – it’s not in locals’ hands!!

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

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WeeAlD

via mobile 29/5/2020 at 1:03pm
Location: Glasgow
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This will be a hard blow to the island communities. We did an Island Hopscotch last September and it was busy with campers and those with Motorhomes/Campervans.
The local hostels/Bunkhouses will also suffer.
It looks that some have invested heavily in providing some fantastic facilities.

Fiona W

via mobile 29/5/2020 at 1:39pm
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That’s worrying.
Travel here is still limited to “essential” and within 5 miles. When the CalMac ferry capacity increases, those two limits will need to be relaxed too.
Western Ferries (the Clyde crossing) are not limiting who can go on like CalMac is. But one big difference is that you stay in your vehicle because the deck is open.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

Pee-Jay-Cee

29/5/2020 at 3:19pm
Location: Salford
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We had to cancel crossings to Orkney in April with Northlink Ferries and Orkney ferries. We had hoped to visit my sister in law who lives on one of the outer islands. Like Calmac they have an essential services only timetable in place up for review again on 14th June - i suspect this will be extended so a visit there at present is very much up in the air :(

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2023
Mar : Lanzarote Spain
Jun : Corfu Greece
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2024
Mar Cape Verde
Apr Catalunya
Jun Orkney
Sep Ceret France
Nov Cape Verde

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ficklejade

29/5/2020 at 7:44pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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Fiona, we can go to the mainland if essential - that's always been allowed - it's folks who aren't residents or key workers that aren't allowed and that's being imposed on the smaller, open ferries like Lochaline and Kilchoan as well. We still have the 5 miles and essential but, with public transport, where it is available, decimated, regular volunteers are allowed a bit further.

Western Ferries aren't run by Transport Scotland and don't get lifeline subsidies (I think); they also have a much greater throughput because of the location and base travelling population.

Post last edited on 29/05/2020 19:54:53

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

alan29

30/5/2020 at 7:50am
Location: Wirral
Outfit: Swift Freestyle 520 on seasonal pitch

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When restrictions are lifted I think Scotland will be rammed with English tourists who have put off going to Europe this year.
I fear the west of Scotland and the NC500 will be chocker block with vehicles and pople in search of campsites and other accommodation.

Fiona W

via mobile 30/5/2020 at 8:51pm
Location: Ayrshire
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Let’s hope the good sites have survived. If they have to reduce occupancy to ensure distancing in the toilets etc, some won’t be financially viable - there has been discussion about this on other threads, I don’t want to replicate that here.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

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ficklejade

06/6/2020 at 4:36pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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I’m posting the link to Calmac’s response to the Rural Economies and Connectivity Committee as it’s an update with implications for the opening up of Calmac Ferries and, whilst not set in stone, may be of help to those of you planning any trips to the islands once the current limitations are relaxed. I suggest you start reading on page 2, item 4.

http://mullandionaferrycommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/REC-Committee-CalM........

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

Fiona W

via mobile 06/6/2020 at 8:07pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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Thanks ficklejade. Especially for giving us the short cut.
Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry to read about golfers hiding in a van on the Clyde ferry from Largs to Big Cumbrae. It’s hardly the St Andrews Old Course over there, after all. There were 273 attempts at non essential travel on the CalMac Clyde ferries since 26 March, according to today’s BBC app.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

ficklejade

06/6/2020 at 9:46pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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I read that, too, Fiona - unbelievable - and I know nothing of golf!!

The actual content of the report it somewhat alarming, not just for visitors but also islanders, particularly those of us who use the non-bookable ferries.

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

armchaircamper

via mobile 13/6/2020 at 12:39am
Location: Aberdeenshire
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It doesn't look as if tourism to the islands is going to happen this summer. Even if the ferries accepted tourists, they couldn't carry many passengers with social distancing in place. I can understand that these communities don't want a surge in coronavirus cases but the loss of tourism is also going to hit hard. No easy answers.

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Sarah

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ficklejade

20/6/2020 at 4:19pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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Calmac will be issuing a new timetable effective 1st July towards the middle of next week. There will be some increased capacity but there will be priorities put in place. Foot passengers (at least as far as Mull's concerned) will need to book and some currently non-bookable services will go to booking.

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

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