CalMac have been urged to save priority space on sailings for islanders who require essential trips at short notice, with an online petition already receiving more than 1,300 signatures on change.org. The call has come after CalMac, who are already operating under a limited capacity, announced bookings can only be made on a two-week rolling basis.

Residents have raised concerns that with tourism making a return to the island as lockdown restrictions ease, getting space on the ferry will be tougher under the new system. The CalMac website briefly crashed on Tuesday when tickets went on sale for the first two week period, and they reported an extremely high number of calls through their call centre. CalMac have stated that space will be saved for emergency travel, however island residents fear this is not enough.

Oban Councillor Roddy McCuish has stated he “wholeheartedly supports” the petition, adding “these are lifeline services to the islands, not just tourist routes. Islanders should have priority for ferry spaces when needed.” Michael Russell MSP has also come out in support of the petition, writing to the Island Minister, the Tourism Cabinet Secretary and CalMac about the issue.

Robbie Drummond, CalMac’s Managing Director, has said “I have huge sympathy with the situation on our islands where there are competing demands for the reduced capacity”. He also stated “we are working hard with Transport Scotland to ensure that we have the maximum capacity available on our vessels and we stand ready to adapt to any change in the rules around physical distancing as they are announced.”

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