The shape of the ferry service over the next few months is starting to emerge. There is a lot of detail, so let’s do this in bullet-points –

• A new timetable is planned to start on July 1st. Oban – Craignure will increase to 5 returns per day; Fishnish Lochaline will increase to 11 per day; Tobermory – Kilchoan to 3 or 4 per day, and Fionnphort – Iona to 7 per day (plus requests).
• From 28th July, the Coruisk should re-enter service, and add approx 5 returns per day to Oban-Craignure. This will take the number of sailings to around 70% of a normal summer. This is the maximum that can be achieved, whilst allowing time for slower turnarounds and more cleaning between trips. However….
• …. Vessel capacity will be dramatically reduced on the major vessels (Coruisk and Isle of Mull), due to social distancing requirements:
• The MV Isle of Mull will only be able to carry a maximum of 104 passengers, compared to her normal maximum of 962.
• The Coruisk’s foot passenger capacity is unknown, BUT, she does have permission for vehicle passengers to remain in their cars during the crossing, so the number of cars (+ occupants) she can carry should be little changed from normal.
• Car capacity on the open vessels working Lochaline-Fishnish and Tobermory-Kilchoan will also be unchanged, since passengers can stay in their vehicles. Foot passenger capacity will be reduced, but this should have little impact.
• Passenger capacity on the Loch Buie (Iona) will be reduced to 28 (plus any car occupants)
• ALL services will be bookable for vehicles, even those that normally aren’t.
• FOOT PASSENGERS will need to book too.
• Some space will be left un-booked, available on a turn-up-and-go basis.

Some key issues are problematic or contrary to the outcome of last week’s survey, and Mull & Iona Ferry Committee have written to CalMac, Transport Scotland and Government Ministers to try and get improvement (most critical issues relate to Transport Scotland and Government Policy, and few are CalMac’s decision) . The central problem is the very low passenger limit on the MV Isle of Mull that will make travel very difficult.

• Only inside spaces on the MV Isle of Mull are being counted when assessing how many people can be carried. We are asking that outside spaces be included, as per our survey outcome.
• We believe the booking system being proposed for foot passengers will be problematic, and may make travel more difficult, not easier. Turn-up-and-go (with priority travellers called to the front of the queue), will enable more of the vessel capacity to be used, and make it easier for priority passengers (residents, essential workers, school children, etc) to travel. This was also the system preferred in the survey.
• We’ve asked that Lochaline-Fishnish and Tobermory-Kilchoan remain as turn-up-and-go services, instead of becoming bookable.
• We’ve asked that the 2 metre social distancing rule be scientifically re-assessed specifically for ferries, and measures such as face coverings, hand sanitisers and ‘sneeze screens’ between tables be considered as mitigating measures.

Source: Mull & Iona Ferry Committee