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CLYDE AND HEBRIDES FERRY SERVICES: INVITATION TO TENDER

ANNEX 2
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ROUTES, INCLUDING ANNUALISED CARRYING STATISTICS

(For more details on summer/winter timetables for each route please refer to Annexes 6 and 7)

Each service described below is an Approved Service and part of the minimum standard required of the Operator. The descriptions refer to the winter 2004/05 and summer 2005 timetables.

1. TARBERT (LOCH FYNE) / PORTAVADIE

This service operates across Loch Fyne between Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula and Portavadie on the Cowal peninsula. The distance between the two ports is 3 nautical miles and the crossing takes 25 minutes. MV Isle of Cumbrae usually serves the route in the summer, and MV Loch Riddon in the winter.

In summer there are a maximum of 12 scheduled return sailings per day (this decreases on a Sunday and outside the peak summer months). For the first week of the winter timetable, there are 10 scheduled return sailings per day (9 on a Sunday). After this the Tarbert/Lochranza service commences, which interrupts the Tarbert/Portavadie service since it is served by the same vessel. Therefore for the majority of the winter timetable there are 7 scheduled return sailings per day (6 on a Sunday).

Carrying statistics for the Tarbert/Portavadie route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

TARBERT (LOCH FYNE) / LOCHRANZA (Winter only)

This service operates from Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula to Lochranza on the northwest corner of the Isle of Arran. The distance between the two ports is 11 nautical miles and the crossing takes 1 hour 25 minutes. This route shares the Tarbert/Portavadie vessel, which is usually the MV Loch Riddon.

The service operates in winter only, from when the Claonaig-Lochranza service ends, normally one week into the winter timetable period. It is particularly used for the carriage of dangerous goods to and from Arran, since the main Arran service between Brodick and Ardrossan is served by a closed vessel that cannot normally carry dangerous goods. Tenderers will wish to note that when dangerous goods are required to be carried on the Tarbert-Lochranza service passenger capacity will be limited. There is one scheduled return sailing per day, leaving Tarbert at 12.15 and arriving back at 15.10.

Carrying statistics for the Tarbert/Lochranza route, winter only, for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

WEMYSS BAY/ROTHESAY

This service operates between Wemyss Bay, situated on the south-west corner of the Inverclyde coastline, and Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The distance between the two ports is 6.2 nautical miles and the crossing takes 35 minutes. The route is served by two of three vessels, MV Juno, Jupiter, or Saturn.

The number of sailings per day varies, with 17 scheduled return sailings Monday to Thursday in summer, increasing to 18 on a Friday and on Saturdays in the peak summer months, and decreasing to 14 on Sundays. In the winter timetable there are 17 scheduled return sailings Monday to Friday, decreasing to 15 on a Saturday and 12 on a Sunday. The first ship departs Rothesay at 06.30 on week days, and the last ship normally departs Wemyss Bay at 19.45, although there are later services in the summer timetable on a Friday and Saturday.

Carrying statistics for the Wemyss Bay/Rothesay route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

COLINTRAIVE/RHUBODACH

This service operates across the Kyle of Bute between Colintraive, situated on the Cowal Peninsula, and Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute. The distance between the two ports is 0.2 nautical miles and the crossing takes 5 minutes. MV Loch Dunvegan usually serves this route.

The service operates on a scheduled and demand basis from 05.30 until 21.00 in the summer timetable, and until 20.00 during winter timetable.

Carrying statistics for the Colintraive/Rhubodach route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

ARDROSSAN/BRODICK

This service operates between Ardrossan, situated on the Ayrshire coast, and Brodick on the Isle of Arran. The distance between the two ports is 11.7 nautical miles and the crossing takes 55 minutes. MV Caledonian Isles usually serves the route.

There are 4 scheduled return sailings each day during the winter timetable and 4 to 6 return sailings each day in the summer timetable. During the summer timetable the first sailing leaves Ardrossan at 07.00 (except Sundays) and the last sailing leaves Brodick at 19.20 (21.40 on a Friday). In winter the first sailing leaves Brodick at 08.20 (except Sundays) and the last sailing leaves Ardrossan at 18.00. There a number of variations in the winter timetable.

Carrying statistics for the Ardrossan/Brodick route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

CLAONAIG/LOCHRANZA (Summer only)

This seasonal service runs during the summer timetable and for the first week of the winter timetable, finishing in late October. It operates between Claonaig, situated on the Kintyre peninsula and Lochranza on the northwest corner of the Isle of Arran. The distance between Claonaig and Lochranza is 3.85 nautical miles and the crossing takes 30 minutes. MV Loch Tarbert usually serves the route.

Until late September, there are 9 scheduled week day return sailings with 8 scheduled return sailings on Sunday. The first week day sailing departs Lochranza at 08.15 and the last ship departs Claonaig at 19.00. Then until mid-October there are 8 week day return sailings and 7 return sailings on a Sunday, with the last ship departing Claonaig at 17.50, and for the last week that the service operates, a Sunday service of 7 return sailings per day operates every day.

Carrying statistics for the Claonaig/Lochranza route, summer only, for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

LARGS/CUMBRAE SLIP

This service operates between Largs, situated on the Cunninghame coast, and Cumbrae slip on the northeast corner of Great Cumbrae Island.

The distance between Largs and Cumbrae Slip is 1.1 nautical miles and the crossing takes 10 minutes. During the summer, MV Loch Alainn and MV Loch Riddon usually serve this route, whilst only one (MV Loch Alainn) operates this route in winter.

During the winter timetable there are 16 scheduled return sailings per day Monday to Saturday, with two additional late sailings on Friday and one on Saturday. There are 13 return sailings on a Sunday during the winter timetable. During the summer timetable this increases to 25 return sailings Monday to Saturday and 20 sailings on a Sunday in early and late season, and then to 45 return sailings Monday to Saturday and 39 return sailings on a Sunday. There are two additional late sailings on a Friday throughout the winter timetable (i.e. one return sailing) which are funded by Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (on behalf of North Ayrshire Council). SPT also funds (on behalf of North Ayrshire Council Education Department) the fares for school children on the 08.30 sailing from Cumbrae and the 15.45 sailing from Largs during school terms.

Carrying statistics for the Largs/Cumbrae slip service for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

TAYINLOAN / GIGHA

This service operates between Tayinloan, on the Kintyre peninsula, and the island of Gigha, situated between Islay and Kintyre. The distance between the two ports is 2.5 nautical miles and the crossing takes 20 minutes. MV Lochranza usually serves the route.

In the summer timetable there are 10 scheduled return sailings per day Monday to Saturday. On Sundays there are 6 return sailings. In the winter timetable there are 8 scheduled return sailings per day Monday to Saturday. On Sundays there are 3 return sailings.

Carrying statistics for the Tayinloan/Gigha route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

OBAN/COLONSAY

This service operates between Oban and the island of Colonsay, lying between Islay to the south and Mull to the north.

The distance between the two ports is 32 nautical miles and it is timetabled to take 2 hours and 20 minutes. During summer this route is usually served by MV Clansman, MV Lord of the Isles and MV Isle of Mull. In winter it is usually served by MV Isle of Mull.

In the summer timetable there are 5 scheduled return sailings per week, leaving Oban on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. These all return to Oban the same day except on a Monday, where the return sailing is on Tuesday morning. Sailing times vary widely, from departures from Colonsay at 07.50 to arrivals at Oban of 22.30. The Wednesday sailing also goes to Port Askaig - see entry 10 below.

During the winter timetable there are 3 return sailings per week, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving Oban at 10.00 or 12.00 and returning to Oban at 15.20 or 17.00.

Carrying statistics for the Oban/Colonsay route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

KENNACRAIG/PORT ASKAIG/COLONSAY/OBAN (Summer only)

This seasonal route is situated between Kennacraig, on the Kintyre peninsula, Port Askaig on Islay, the island of Colonsay, which lies directly north of Islay and south of Mull, and Oban. The route is served every Wednesday between April and October.

Some tourists use this as a 'Day Cruise' as it takes in several islands on the trip. The route is made up of 2 complementary loops by the vessels serving Islay and Colonsay, with the Islay vessel, going from Kennacraig - Islay - Colonsay - Kennacraig, and the Colonsay vessel going from Oban - Colonsay - Islay - Colonsay - Oban. It facilitates day trips from one island to the other. From late May to late September, an additional sailing operates on a Wednesday from Kennacraig-Islay-Colonsay-Oban although this service is subject to withdrawal at short notice if the vessel is required to provide relief cover elsewhere in the network. The Islay vessel is usually MV Hebridean Isles or, during deployment, MV Isle of Arran and the Colonsay vessel is usually the MV Lord of the Isles.

Carrying statistics for the route (including all legs of the journey) for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

KENNACRAIG / PORT ELLEN / PORT ASKAIG

This service runs between Kennacraig, on the Kintyre peninsula, and Port Ellen on the south of the Isle of Islay and Port Askaig on the north east of Islay.

The distance between Kennacraig and Port Ellen is 30 nautical miles and the crossing takes 2 hours 20 minutes. The distance from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is 25 nautical miles and the crossing takes 2 hours 5 minutes. MV Hebridean Isles usually serves the route, and in summer 2003 and 2004, additional sailings were provided using the relief vessel, MV Isle of Arran. Tenderers will wish to note that these sailings do form part of the minimum specification, with the caveat, which is published in the timetable, that should the relief vessel be required these sailings could be withdrawn at short notice.

During the summer timetable there are between 2 and 3 return sailings on the route each day, increasing to 3 to 4 return sailings on days when the additional sailings are being offered. In the winter timetable there is usually one return sailing to each port on week days, with an additional sailing to Port Ellen on Wednesday and back to Kennacraig on Thursday, and on Sundays there is usually one return sailing to Port Ellen.

Carrying statistics for the Kennacraig/Islay route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

OBAN/CRAIGNURE

This service runs between Oban and Craignure, on the south-east corner of the Isle of Mull. The distance between the two ports is 7.6 nautical miles and the crossing takes 45 minutes. MV Isle of Mull usually serves the route.

During the summer timetables, there are 6 return sailings per day on most days, although this varies slightly on particular days and on different dates. During the winter timetable there are a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 return sailings per day during the winter timetable. The vessel serving this route usually serves Colonsay as well during the winter timetable and hence there are fewer services on days when there is a sailing to Colonsay.

Carrying statistics for the Oban/Craignure route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

LOCHALINE/FISHNISH

This route operates between Lochaline, on the Morvern coast, and Fishnish on the east coast of the Island of Mull.

The distance between the two ports is 2 nautical miles and the crossing takes 15 minutes. MV Loch Fyne usually serves the route.

During the summer timetable there are a maximum of 14 return sailings Monday to Saturday (13 in October) and 9 return sailings on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there are 10 return sailings on a Monday, 9 on every other weekday (unless the 0700 sailing is pre-booked by 1600 the previous working day) and the service does not operate on a Sunday. There are some detailed variations in the timetable.

Carrying statistics for the Lochaline/Fishnish route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

FIONNPHORT/IONA

This service is situated between Fionnphort, on the south-west corner of Mull and Iona. The distance between the ports is 0.8 nautical miles and the sailing time is 5 minutes. MV Loch Buie usually serves the route.

During the summer timetable, there are 4 scheduled return sailings during the morning, and 5 scheduled return sailings between 16.00 and the last sailing at 18.15, departing Fionnphort. Between these periods, a shuttle service operates in response to demand. There is also an early morning sailing on Mondays in the school term or if reserved on Mondays and, at a slightly later time, on Tuesdays to Saturdays. During the winter timetable there are usually 7 return sailings per day Monday to Saturday, with the additional early sailings Monday to Saturday if reserved. For the first two Sundays of the winter timetable there are 4 return sailings, with an additional service if reserved. On other Sundays in the winter timetable there are 3 services per day which operate only if reserved.

Tenderers will wish to note that cars, commercial vehicles and coaches are restricted on Iona and require a permit from the island.

Carrying statistics for the Fionnphort/Iona route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

TOBERMORY / KILCHOAN

This route operates between Tobermory (Mull's largest town), on the north-west of the island of Mull and, and Kilchoan, located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The distance between the ports is 4.5 nautical miles and the crossing takes 35 minutes. In summer the route is usually served by MV Loch Linnhe, and in winter by MV Raasay.

During the summer timetable there are 7 return sailings per day between Monday and Saturday. The service only operates on a Sunday in June, July and August, when there are 5 return sailings per day. During the winter timetable there are 3 return sailings per day, Monday to Friday, 2 return sailings per day on Saturdays and no service on a Sunday.

2003/04 was the first year that CalMac operated the winter service on this route and the first time that it has been a vehicle service. Previously CalMac only operated the summer service, and a community group operated the service in winter on a passenger-only basis.

Carrying statistics for the CalMac service for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

OBAN/LISMORE

This service operates between Oban and the island of Lismore, situated in Loch Linnhe between Morvern and Lorn. The distance between the two ports is 6.25 nautical miles and the crossing takes 50 minutes. MV Eigg usually serves the route.

The summer and winter timetables are the same with 2 or 3 return sailings, Monday to Saturday. There are no services on a Sunday in either summer or winter.

Carrying statistics for the Oban/Lismore route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

OBAN/COLL/TIREE

This service operates between Oban and the Inner Hebridean islands of Coll and Tiree, situated between Mull and the Outer Hebrides. The distance between the ports is 40 nautical miles to Coll and 51 nautical miles to Tiree, and the distance between the two island ports is 12 nautical miles. The direct sailing time to Coll is 2 hours 45 minutes or 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the vessel in service. The direct sailing time between Oban and Tiree is 3 hours 40 minutes with a 1 hour sailing time between Coll and Tiree. The route is usually served by the MV Lord of the Isles.

During the summer timetable there is a return sailing to Coll and/or Tiree every day of the week. The Thursday sailing to and from Tiree is the service between Oban and Castlebay which stops at Tiree en route. Most sailings stop at Coll on the way to Tiree and then again on the return from Oban. During the winter timetable there are 3 return sailings per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, each departing Oban at 06.45 and stopping at Coll on the outward and return service, returning to Oban at 15.05.

Carrying statistics for the Oban/Coll/Tiree route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

SCONSER/RAASAY

This route operates between Sconser, on the east of the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Raasay, which lies between Skye and the northwest highlands. The distance between the two ports is 1.9 nautical miles and the sailing takes 15 minutes. MV Loch Striven usually serves the route.

During the summer timetable there are 9 scheduled return sailings each day, Monday to Saturday, which increases to 10 return sailings Monday to Friday, and 11 return sailings on a Saturday, during June, July and August. Two return sailings are provided on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there are 5 return sailings per day Monday to Saturday. The daily 10.00 return sailing ex-Raasay is funded by Highland Council. Two return sailings are provided on a Sunday. Highland Council also funds an additional late return service on two Saturdays in December.

Carrying statistics for the Sconser/Raasay route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

MALLAIG/ARMADALE

This route is situated between Mallaig, on the Morar coast, and Armadale, on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye. The distance between the two ports is 4.4 nautical miles and the crossing takes 26 minutes.

In the summer MV Coruisk serves the route and MV Loch Nevis serves the route during the winter timetable.

During the summer timetable there are 8 scheduled return sailings per day Monday to Saturday. This increases to 9 return sailings per day in July and August. There is a Sunday service of 8 return sailings between mid-May and mid-September. During the winter timetable, the service only operates Monday to Friday, and there are 2 scheduled return sailings per day.

Carrying statistics for the Mallaig - Armadale route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

MALLAIG / SMALL ISLES

This service operates between Mallaig, on the Morar coast, and the group of islands collectively known as the Small Isles, consisting of Canna, Rhum, Muck and Eigg located between the Isle of Skye and Ardnamurchan. The distances to each individual island from Mallaig are as follows: 22 nautical miles to Canna, 14 nautical miles to Rhum, 12 nautical miles to Eigg and 16 nautical miles to Muck. The direct sailing times to each island from Mallaig are: 1 hour 45 minutes to Canna, 1 hour 25 minutes to Muck and 1 hour 10 minutes to both Eigg and Rhum. The route is usually served by MV Lochnevis.

During the summer timetable there is one sailing every day Monday to Friday, 2 sailings or a 'double run' on a Saturday and no service on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there is one sailing every day, Monday to Saturday. The timetable usually changes each day, serving different combinations of 2 or 3 islands each day, except on a Saturday in the summer timetable when both return sailings serve all Small Isles. Please see timetables for exact schedules.

Carrying statistics for the Mallaig/Small Isles route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

OBAN / CASTLEBAY / LOCHBOISDALE

This service operates between Oban situated on the Lorn coast and the ports of Castlebay, on the island of Barra, and Lochboisdale on the island of South Uist, both located in the Outer Hebrides.

The distance between Oban and Castlebay is 75 nautical miles. The sailing time can vary between 4 hours 50 minutes and 5 hours 20 minutes depending on which vessel is in service. It is 76 nautical miles from Oban to Lochboisdale and the sailing time is the same as for Castlebay. It is 22 nautical miles between Castlebay and Lochboisdale and a sailing from Oban via either Castlebay or Lochboisdale and on to the other port takes between 6 hours 40 minutes and 7 hours 25 minutes, again depending on which vessel is in service. This route is usually served by either MV Clansman or MV Lord of the Isles.

During the summer timetable there are sailings between the Outer Isles and Oban on a daily basis. These sailings vary in whether they depart from Lochboisdale or Castlebay whether they call at the other Outer Isle port before going to or returning from Oban, and whether they return to Lochboisdale or Castlebay. On a Wednesday, there is a service from Castlebay to Lochboisdale and on to Oban as well as a return sailing between Oban and Castlebay only. On a Thursday, there is a single service from Oban to Lochboisdale which does not return to Oban until the Friday. On a Thursday there is also a return service from Oban to Castlebay which stops at Tiree in each direction.

During the winter timetable there is a sailing from Oban to the Outer Isles on Sunday (returning Monday) and Tuesday (returning Wednesday). There is a return sailing from Oban to the outer isles on a Thursday (arrives back in Oban early Friday morning) (return leg to Oban ceases mid-December) and a Friday (ceases late-December).

Carrying statistics for the Oban/Castlebay/Lochboisdale route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

BARRA / ERISKAY (SOUND OF BARRA)

This route operates across the Sound of Barra, between Ard Mhor on the north of the island of Barra, and Eriskay, an island joined to South Uist by a bridge. The distance between the two ports is 5.5 nautical miles and the crossing usually takes 40 minutes. The route is usually served by MV Loch Bhrusda.

During the summer timetable there are 5 scheduled return sailings per day, Monday to Saturday, and 4 return sailings on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there are 3 scheduled return sailings per day, Monday to Saturday, and 2 return sailings on a Sunday.

CalMac only commenced operating this service in summer 2003. Prior to this a service had been operated for just over a year by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Data from 2002 to 2004 is provided below. Tenderers will wish to note that the service previously offered had a very restricted capacity.

UIG /LOCHMADDY

This route operates between Uig, on the north-east coast of the Isle of Skye and Lochmaddy, on the Outer Hebridean Island of North Uist. The distance between the two ports is 26 nautical miles and the crossing takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route is usually served by MV Hebrides. This vessel also serves Uig/Tarbert and some sailings, particularly in the winter timetable, serve both Tarbert and Lochmaddy.

During the summer timetable there are between one and two scheduled return sailings per day every day of the week. During the winter timetable, there are one or two scheduled return sailings per day.

Carrying statistics for the Uig/Lochmaddy route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

BERNERAY/LEVERBURGH (Sound of Harris)

This service operates between Berneray, on the northern tip of North Uist and Leverburgh, on the south coast of Harris. The distance between the two ports is 9 nautical miles and the crossing takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. MV Loch Portain has recently started serving the route. Previously it was served by MV Loch Bhrusda.

During the summer timetable there are 3 or 4 scheduled return sailings per day, Monday to Saturday. There is no service on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there are 2 scheduled return sailings per day. Monday to Saturday. This increases to 3 return sailings per day from the first Monday in February to the end of the winter timetable. The timetable on this route varies particularly by date. This is due to safety considerations requiring crossings to be completed in adequate daylight. Hence services start later in the day and finish earlier in the day when daylight hours are short.

Carrying statistics for the Berneray/Leverburgh route for 2003/04 are shown below. Tenderers will wish to note that a similar route between Otternish and Leverburgh was provided until 2003/04 and statistics for that route are provided from 1999/02.

UIG/TARBERT (HARRIS)

This route operates between Uig, on the north-east coast of the Isle of Skye and Tarbert, on the Outer Hebridean Island of Harris. The distance between the two ports is 24 nautical miles and the crossing takes 1 hour 40 minutes. The route is served by MV Hebrides. This vessel also serves Uig/Lochmaddy and some sailings in the winter timetable operate via Lochmaddy (see specific entry for Uig/Tarbert/Lochmaddy).

During the summer timetable there is one scheduled return sailing and one single sailing (in one direction only) every day, Monday to Saturday. Between late May and early September there is an additional sailing on a Monday and Saturday. There is no service on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there is one return sailing on a Tuesday and a Saturday as well as a single sailing (one way) via Lochmaddy, and a single sailing in one direction on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Carrying statistics for the Uig/Tarbert route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

UIG/TARBERT/LOCHMADDY (winter only)

This service operates between Uig, located on the north-east coast of the Isle of Skye, Tarbert, on the island of Harris, and Lochmaddy on the island of North-Uist. The distance between the ports are as follows: Uig - Lochmaddy, 26 nautical miles, Lochmaddy - Tarbert, 26 nautical miles and Tarbert - Uig, 24 nautical miles. The route is seasonal and is only timetabled during the winter season. The route is usually served by MV Hebrides.

The timetable runs on a triangular basis on a Tuesday and a Saturday, both sailings leave Uig at 09.40 and arrive back at 15.10 after sailing via Lochmaddy and then on to Tarbert before returning to Uig.

Carrying statistics for the Uig/Tarbert/Lochmaddy route for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

ULLAPOOL/STORNOWAY

This route runs between Ullapool, on the west Ross-shire coast, and Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebridean islands. The distance between the two ports is 45 nautical miles and the sailing time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. This route is usually served by the MV Isle of Lewis.

During the summer timetable there are usually 2 scheduled return sailings per day, Monday to Saturday, except on Wednesdays and Fridays in late June, July and August when there are 3 return sailings per day. There is no service on a Sunday. During the winter timetable there are 2 scheduled return sailings per day.

This service is supplemented with a freight service (which commenced in August 2001) which provides an overnight freight return sailing daily from Monday to Saturday. This is currently operated by the MV Muirneag, a vessel chartered by CalMac for this purpose. Tenderers will wish to note that the dedicated freight vessel can only carry a maximum of 12 passengers on any sailing.

Carrying statistics for the Ullapool/Stornoway route (including freight) for 1999 - 2004 are shown below.

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