NEW FERRY MAINTENANCE CYCLE 2026
Gigha Comminity Council were consulted by Calmac at a meeting on 27th April 2026. From October 19th when the Gigha ferry goes over to the winter timetable Calmac intend to introduce a new programmed maintenance cycle. This will then be a permanent operational feature.
Calmac are gradually introducing this regime across the whole fleet to improve maintenance and to seek to
reduce breakdowns and interruptions to normal timetables. The programme will be progressively introduced and include new vessels as well as older ferries. For a ferry like Loch Ranza which is over 40 years old and close to permanent decommissioning it is
important to minimise breakdowns and service interruptions.
The two options on offer were:
Option A Ferry off timetable for 6hrs for one day a week. This would be 6am to 12 noon. The first daily crossings would commence as follows on both winter and summer timetables :-
Monday to Saturday Depart Gigha 12.30pm Sundays Depart Gigha 2.30pm
Option B Ferry off timetable for one full day a calendar month.
Maintenance dates will be fixed and published online by Calmac in advance, alongside both Winter and
Summer timetables. Loch Ranza would also be out of service for two weeks a year for dry dock
maintenance.
Gigha Community Council currently consider the 'least worst' option from the choices provided is to have the ferry out of service on one Sunday a month. However, the Gigha service is unique in being a single vessel and route
service. Other islands either have two vessels or more than one route.
Therefore, GCC have approached Calmac raising a number of questions on the options offered with a view to minimising service cancellations, and consideration of an alternative timetabling structure.
Gigha Community Council will brief islanders fully when they have a response and seek representations in due course.
Gigha Community Council May 2026