CalMac ferry bookings for Harris and North Uist summer routes are set to remain closed for at least another month.
Tourists longing for a holiday in Uist and Harris have an extended wait before getting to secure their trips. At the same time, locals heading off to the mainland for the Easter break via Skye have no choice but to be patient.
Reservations for journeys beyond March on other Western Isles ferry services -
Transport Scotland also confirmed that CalMac fares will rise in line with inflation in May 2023 at a rate of 8.7% across all routes and fare types.
The price increase will be applied at the start of the summer timetable period
► CalMac ferry fares to increase by nearly 9%
Intending travellers are promised a peek at the delayed timetables at sunrise on Thursday morning -
The hold-
CalMac has been running late with timetable publishing since 2021, affecting both summer and winter schedules.
Chaos also surrounded the launch of CalMac’s decade delayed £18 million new booking platform in May.
Pauline Blackshaw, director of strategy and change at CalMac, said: “I would like to thank our customers, communities and businesses for their patience regarding the summer timetables being released, and we apologise for the delay.
"We were unable to move forward with preparation to open bookings until Transport Scotland confirmed their decision on 2024 fare levels.
“I would like to extend my thanks to our customers for their patience and support.”
The shipping operator has been configuring its ticketing system to publish timetables and fares ahead of opening summer 2024 timetable bookings later this month .
A review of the Uig -
Bookings are currently due to open on a phased approach between 18 January and mid February.
CalMac travellers’ extended wait to book Easter and summer ferry tickets
10 January 2024
