A much heard complaint in recent years from the accommodation providers and others was the lack of ferry capacity in the Tourist Season. People wanted to visit Islay but they simply couldn't due to ferries being fully booked. A very annoying situation for the tourism sector. Even more strange considering a Calmac Ferry was docked at Port Ellen for six hours doing basically nothing. Due to some very strong and successful lobbying with Calmac and Transport Scotland this is now no longer the case with the introduction of the updated Islay summer ferry timetables.

Paul Graham said: "The great news is that Islay are getting an 18% increase in capacity! Instead of the boat sitting alongside from 12-6 it will now do an extra run at 12.30 from Islay and a 15.15 from Kennacraig on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday and Saturday the Hebridean Isles will go to Colonsay, then on to Oban returning to Islay via Colonsay early evening. On a Saturday the Finlaggan will do an extra run also giving the island extra Saturday capacity."

The increase in the number of sailings is vital for the island and much wanted by many locals and those in the tourism sector. The new timetable is valid from the 4th of April to the 26th of October. The timetable is already available from the Calmac website.

Tag: ferry travel calmac