By
Rebecca Gibson |
Caledonian MacBrayne’s (CalMac) will begin a ferry service between Ayrshire and Kintyre on 23 May 2013, with the first sailing departing Ardrossan at 18.40 and arriving in Campbeltown at 21.20.
The three-year pilot service has been introduced as part of the Scottish Government’s Ferries Plan, which was published in December 2012 and seeks to improve and expand the country’s ferry services and connect its communities.
It will operate three times a week throughout the summer, with an additional stop at Brodick in Arran on a Saturday.
“This new ferry service will bring a fantastic boost to the North Ayrshire economy, offering travellers a much more relaxing alternative to the lengthy four-hour drive to Campbeltown,” said councillor Willie Gibson, leader of North Ayrshire Council. “North Ayrshire – and in particular Ardrossan – will become the gateway to accessing Kintyre and the Western Isles and we look forward to welcoming visitors, tourists and businesses alike.”
Roddy McCuish, deputy leader of Argyll and Bute Council agreed, adding: “It will bring significant benefits in terms of increased jobs and investment and will improve South Kintyre’s status as a destination. Campbeltown harbour services key local industries such as fishing, timber and renewables, which are important to Argyll and Bute’s economy.”
The service is CalMac’s first new route for almost 20 years and is the company’s first service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan since the Glen Sannox operated on the route in 1939 under the management of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company.