The official account of Caledonian MacBrayne. Serving the Clyde and Hebridean Islands on Scotland's west coast. For service info please follow
@CalMac_Updates
You can purchase tickets in advance for any of our routes.
We strongly recommend booking ahead whenever possible, even for foot passengers. When you buy online, you get 24/7 access to modify your booking. Click for more info:
CalMac is shocked to hear of the redundancies at P&O Ferries. We have available vacancies, including Deck Ratings and Seaman Pursers required to start in April. Please read CalMac MD's statement encouraging anyone affected to apply here -
Responding to incorrect reports linking CalMac to food shortages, MD Robbie Drummond says: "During the latest disruption, we shipped all food deliveries we were asked to. We always prioritise food supplies and didn't leave any on the mainland. Any shortages were not our fault.”
If you’re travelling to the Outer Hebrides and taking a motorhome/campervan on one of our ferries, you are now required to have a booking with an official campsite ⛺️
Our crew see many amazing wildlife in the water and seas around our network. This footage was shared with us by the fishing vessel Eilean Ban. It shows dolphins playing in front of the MV Loch Tarbert as she headed south at Ardnamurchan point 🐬⛴
#MarineAware
#ThrowbackThursday
We’re delighted to share that MV Loch Frisa has entered service on the Oban-Craignure route. Did you spot her on her first sailing this afternoon? ⛴️👀 Photo by Iain Erskine.
ℹ️ Read our letter in response to today’s misleading
@heraldscotland
article regarding a 1.5% payment to CalMac staff which contains inaccurate statements. Find out more:
.
@scotgov
have announced that ferry travel across Scotland must be for essential travel only. From now on our ferries will be for those who live on islands, who have an essential need to travel to/from the mainland, and for essential supplies or business.
With the shut down of its retail outlets due to the Covid-19 crisis, CalMac has decided to donate food that's shortly going out of date to local food banks. Read more here:
Our crew see many amazing wildlife in the water and seas around our network. This footage of dolphins was taken last year by one of our Chief Officers from the MV Lochnevis as it travelled from Mallaig to the Small Isles 🐬
#MarineAware
#ThrowbackThursday
We are delighted at the news of a very special delivery on board MV Argyle in Wemyss Bay this morning – a baby girl! Our warmest wishes and congratulations to the parents, and to our youngest ever passenger 🥰
Today the MV Hebrides turns 20 years old 🎂. She was launched on 2 August 2000 at Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow by HM the Queen. She came into official service on 24 March 2001 on the Uig - Lochmaddy/Tarbert route - which has been her main route of service ever since.
Ensigns on our vessels will fly at half-mast to mark the passing of HRH Prince Philip. We send sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this sad time.
She has arrived! MV Loch Frisa has now made it to Craignure, where she will soon begin a week of familiarisation before getting to work as part of the CalMac fleet.
Last night we ensured that
@PS_Waverley
passengers who were stranded on Arran last night, were taken safely back to the mainland. A special sailing was put on so that people who had been travelling were able to return to
#Ardrossan
. Read more here;
Bit of celebrity spotting out on the network today👀 It was wonderful having
@antanddec
on board MV Bute 👍🏻 Your both welcome anytime. Thanks to Chris Barry for this fab photo📸
Ronnie Nicolson, Nightmaster on the MV Loch Seaforth, celebrated 2️⃣5️⃣ years’ service with us last week 🎉. He celebrated on board with a cake baked by Second officer Mhairi Finlayson 🎂.
Please join us in wishing Ronnie a huge congratulations 👏👏.
#WeAreCalMac
The launch of any vessel is an exciting time in its construction and we are pleased to see the first of the new ships being built at Port Glasgow reach this important milestone. As the end-customer for the MV Glen Sannox we are looking forward to welcoming her to our fleet.
It is no secret that 2020 has been a challenging year, which is why we felt it was important to come together, to do something fun and joyful, and support our staff wellbeing. Sit back and enjoy our CalMac Christmas Choir 🎄🎅🎶
Finlay is crazy about anything to do with ships and especially loves drawing them. He recently did some of the MV Isle of Lewis and MV Hebrides and we just had to share them with you all. Well done Finlay 👏🎨🛳️
CalMac Ferries has secured the highest level of accreditation for the helpfulness and professionalism of its customer operations staff by
@CCA_Global
. It commended CalMac for its commitment to customer service, especially in the face of
#Covid19
📞💻📱
It’s not long until we bid farewell to MV Heb Isles, who will retire this November. We would really like to gather your fond memories of her, so that we can give the old lady a good send off. Please share your stories and photos - corporatecommunications
@calmac
.co.uk by 29 Sept.
On Friday hundreds of pipers came together in a stunning tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of the battle at St Valéry. Amongst the pipers were Neil MacCallum and his sons from the Isle of Mull who joined in playing 'Heroes of St Valéry'
#StValery80
@poppyscotland
We are delighted to welcome the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry service into the CalMac family from today. The 13 minute crossing becomes our 29th route and the leasing of the MV Chieftain takes our total fleet complement to 34 vessels ⛴️.
We are excited to announce that BBC Scotland has commissioned a second series of Island Crossings! Filming starts this month. More info ▶️ Watch the first series on BBC iPlayer
@BBCScotland
MV Glen Rosa has been launched! CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: "This is a positive step forward and we are looking forward to welcoming MV Glen Rosa into the CalMac fleet. When she enters service, she will provide much-needed resilience and capacity to the Arran community.”
We’re keeping our ferry services moving for key workers and essential services. Stay safe and stay at home. Thank you to Chief Officer Stewart Williams, Master John Archie Campbell and their crew on board the MV Hebrides for sharing this image with us
#StayAtHome
👏🏡
We have decided it's a good time to open up our recipe book and share with you the recipe for one of our favourite dishes - the simple but very comforting CalMac and Cheese. Here's how you can recreate it at home, using one of chief cook's easy recipes …
We were delighted to meet
@Benfogle
during his travels across the network this week! He's pictured with Master Byron Griffiths on the Barra route.
@byrogriffiths
🛳️
📣We have introduced a new process that will help islanders attend urgent medical appointments, even if the car deck on the sailing they need to take is full. Find out more here ➡️
A big congratulations to
@PS_Waverley
for raising over £500,000. 45 years ago yesterday, we sold the iconic paddle steamer to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. We can't wait to see you sail folks 'doon the watter' again.
We're excited that seven new vessels are on the horizon! CalMac's Diane Burke said: Everyone at CalMac is committed to providing the best service possible and the news that even more new vessels will soon join our fleet is a major step towards this."
#StormDennis
has been causing major disruption throughout our network. Our main priority is our customer and staff’s safety during this time. However, we can't praise the skills of our Masters and crew enough using windows in the weather to get our customer safely from A to B 👏
We are encouraging all passengers to ensure that the journey they are making is essential in line with Government advice. If you don’t need to travel then please don’t risk your health and the health of others. More info can be found at:
#BeSafe
Happy 100th birthday Dolan from Master Iain Mackenzie and everyone at CalMac! The Skye resident and former sailor was captain for the day on MV Lochnevis as a special present 🎂
Looking for ways to beat your
#bluemonday
blues? Colonsay has the answer! This unspoilt island boasts 22 peaks, a micro-brewery and diverse marine life. Its the perfect remedy to lift your spirits. Book now
We’re proud of the way the CalMac team help our customers, day in, day out. They work hard – sometimes in challenging circumstances.
Unfortunately, some of our colleagues have received abuse when doing their job.
This is never acceptable. Let’s be respectful!
Welcome to the CalMac Modern Apprentice class of 2022! Our new recruits all live across the CalMac network and are excited about starting their CalMac careers. After a month at college, they'll join major vessels. We wish them all the very best of luck!
And he’s off! CalMac crew member Alistair MacPherson has begun his incredible challenge of running across 10 west coast islands non-stop islands over 48-hours. Track his progress and learn how you can support Ally K’s 10 Island Challenge here
One of our oldest vessels, the Heb Isles, will exit our fleet in November after 38 years of distinguished service across Scotland’s west coast.
Find out more about our plans to modernise our fleet:
We’re saying bon voyage to Captain Guy Robertson who's spent his last day on board MV Finlaggan marking the end of his 40-year career at CalMac. Thanks for your hard work & professionalism throughout an impressive career, we wish you every happiness & a well-earned retirement👏!
At 9.43am – CalMac will fall silent for one minute alongside our fellow transport colleagues
@ScotRail
to mark the passing of those who lost their lives in last week’s derailment at
#Stonehaven
. Our thoughts remain with them, their families, friends & all affected.
This morning, at 09.43, Scotland’s Railway will fall silent, to remember those who lost their lives in the Stonehaven derailment last Wednesday.
If you would like to join us at your local station, you are more than welcome. Thank you.
Catch our very own MV Hebridean Isles on 'Mega Shippers' on Tuesday night (1 Sept) on
@QuestTV
at 10pm. The programme goes behind the scenes at ports around the country to find out what it takes for the largest freight operators and shipping agents to deliver goods 24/7.
From Sunday 22 March 2020, until further notice, ferries will be for those who live on our islands, who have an essential need to travel to or from the mainland and for essential supplies or business. Nothing else. Click here for more info:
Following discussions with
@transcot
we are pleased to update our customers on how we will manage bookings from Fri 10 July, and how tomorrow’s changes to physical distancing affect how you sail with us.
Can any of you beat this effort by CalMac fanatic Joseph Holland? His mum Kirsten shared this with us. Joseph is such a big fan of ours he got his uncle to make this costume for Halloween 🎃👏🏻👏🏻
#MyCalMacStory
Looking for a remote Scottish island to visit in 2019? Getting the ferry to Colonsay might be the answer. An unspoilt island with 22 peaks and diverse marine life:
We are saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our condolences to the Royal Family and as a mark of respect, our vessels will be lowering their flags to half-mast.
CalMac crew have been honoured after reaching 25 years of service. Congratulations to MV Isle of Mull's Sean Lafferty and Keith MacMillan - pictured with Master Dermot O'Neill - and George Lamont from MV Hebridean Isles on receiving long service awards. 🎉
A1 We cant wait to welcome our customers old and new back on board again once this is over and help showcase how wonderful the west coast really is
#StaySafe
#ScotlandHour
MV Isle of Lewis has arrived
@DalesMarine
for her annual overhaul - plannned work includes steel repairs on the funnels and visor, engine overhauls and servicing of the electrical, bridge and navigational systems.
We have launched a temporary, freight-only ferry service between Troon and Brodick to support Arran businesses and ensure that essential supplies are delivered. Pictured are lorries being loaded onto MV Hebridean Isles for the day's 1st run. Read more ▶️
The remarkable Mrs Muriel Rust has been sailing with us to and from Arran for 85 years! Master Lachie Wotherspoon and Onboard Services Manager Craig Harkness were honoured to meet her on MV Caledonian Isles 😍
We’re proud of the way the CalMac team help our customers, day in, day out. They work hard – sometimes in challenging circumstances.
Unfortunately, some of our colleagues have received abuse when doing their job.
This is never acceptable. Let’s be respectful!
Big thank you to our staff at sunny but very deserted Oban. Proving that the message
#StayAtHome
is well and truly getting across. They even improvised with some artwork of the MV Isle of Mull well done to Jill McKechnie and all her team 👏🌈
#WeAreCalMac
Thanks to Master
@lewismac100
on the MV Isle of Mull for sharing his crew spreading the
#StayAtHome
message. The crew are working to make sure the community of Mull is still connected to the mainland. Helping key workers and NHS staff be able to play their roles
#WeAreCalMac
👏🌈
We’re keeping our ferry services moving it get vital supplies on and off the islands and to support key workers. Stay safe and stay at home. Thank you to Second Officer Jonathan Irvine and the crew on board the MV Finlaggan for taking the time to spread the word 👏
#StayAtHome
📣
#HebDarkSkies
festival is going ONLINE this February, so you can now experience it from anywhere in the world. Stargazing on the islands of Scotland is certainly an experience to be celebrated so make sure you get involved 🔭✨
For more info visit ➡️
Thank you to our staff at Ardrossan for sharing their
#StayAtHome
message. The team have been working hard to keep the Ardrossan - Brodick service moving. Making sure essential supplies reach the Isle of Arran and so that essential workers can travel
#WeAreCalMac
👏🌈
The subject of violence towards our fab staff has come up in the media today. These incidents don't happen often but should never occur at all. Thanks to our customers for their ongoing support and understanding during disruption - you're amazing!
We’ll begin a phased reopening of our food, drink & retail options on some of our vessels from Fri 7 August - offering a selection of prepacked foods, hot & cold drinks on some of our longer routes. Options will vary depending on the vessel:
Thanks to MV Clansman crew, Oban & Tiree port, customer engagement & social media staff for their dedication in helping passengers affected by
@TireeMusicFest
cancellation. Around 120 passengers stayed overnight in Oban port - duvets from the Royal Hotel. Safe travels home all.
There's been wild weather across CalMac routes today - here's a video from one of the more calmer crossings, Gigha to Taylinloan, this afternoon. Thanks to Pat Healey for the footage.
Congratulations to
@PS_Waverley
who have reached its target sum needed to have its new boilers built 👏. In November were were delighted to have supported a fundraising event by offering the use of our Oban terminal. We hope to see the Waverley back on the west coast very soon.
Waverley’s Boiler Refit appeal has reached its £2.3m target!!🎉
We are so grateful to everyone that has donated and supported Waverley at this time.
Arnold Clark have donated 50,000 recently taking the appeal to its target.
Read the statement at …
This has been one of the most challenging periods in CalMac’s history. Serving our customers throughout has been a privilege.
Here are their thanks for CalMac.
#WeAreCalmac
📣The
@scotgov
are inviting passengers travelling to Scotland’s islands from 26/04 to self-test for Covid19 prior to travel. The programme is voluntary & aims to reduce risk of spread to island communities.
More here including how to order tests ➡️
Calmac are thrilled to support the new launch of Scotland’s answer to Route 66📣
The new Kintyre 66, or K66, is a 66-mile circular loop around one of Scotland’s most scenic regions🏴
Get more info here:
CalMac are introducing an Essential Lifeline Timetable from tomorrow (Friday 27 March) as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. All islands will receive a regular lifeline service ensuring essential goods and services are delivered. More info here:
The golden sands and turquoise waters of Luskentyre on the isle of Harris, was voted the second best beach in the UK by TripAdvisor recently. Can you imagine yourself here? Why not turn your dreams into reality this spring – make it happen here