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CalMac staff at Oban ferry terminal rallied to ensure the safety of travellers yesterday after extreme weather led to the cancellation of the Tiree Music Festival (TMF).

The terminal building remained open and staffed throughout the night to shelter displaced customers, after TMF advised travellers to stay on the ferry and return to Oban.

The Thursday evening sailing to Tiree from Oban was then unable to berth due to a heavy swell.   

With no onward public transport options available at that time of night, more than 100 stranded customers without accommodation were looked after.

Port staff arranged for the Royal Hotel Oban to bring duvets and pillows, and refreshments and snacks were also organised from a local store. Bottled water was provided by CalMac, with terminal facilities remaining open for travellers.  

Two sets of staff on shift through the night ensured the safety of those sheltering in the building, with police checking in through the night.  

Robert Morrison, Operations Director of CalMac, said:  “The Tiree Music Festival was cancelled yesterday with MV Clansman half an hour out from the island with 455 passengers onboard.

“Due to the severe weather conditions the vessel was unable to berth in Tiree and returned to Oban last night at 10.30pm.

 “As soon as we were aware of the situation, the CalMac port team in Oban opened up the terminal building and staffed it throughout the night to ensure all those who were in need of shelter were provided with a safe, warm and dry place to spend the night, as no public transport options were available at that time of night.

“We estimate that between 110 and 120 people required to be accommodated in our Oban terminal building overnight.

“We supplied passengers with tea, coffee, water and snacks and had the terminal facilities open and available for use. The Royal Hotel Oban also assisted by providing duvets and pillows to help the returning travellers have as comfortable a night as possible and the local police were also on hand to provide additional support.

“I want to put on record our thanks to all those who assisted with a difficult situation last night and especially the crew of MV Clansman and Oban port staff, who made sure that all passengers who were caught up in the late cancellation of the Tiree Music Festival, were brought safely back to Oban and made comfortable for the night in our terminal office.

“Our local port team in Tiree will assist and support all affected customers to get back to the mainland as required.  I also want to thank our customer engagement and social media staff who worked late to provide information to concerned passengers.”

 

 

 


CalMac provides refuge for stranded Tiree festival-goers  

7 July 2023