CalMac confirms Campbeltown ferry service will not operate in 2027

CalMac has confirmed that the Campbeltown ferry service will not operate in Summer 2027 following a decision by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.

Transport Scotland has agreed with CalMac's analysis and advice after several options were examined, including the deployment of existing vessels, the potential charter of additional tonnage, and longer-term fleet solutions.

CalMac recognises this will be disappointing news for the Campbeltown community, local businesses and visitors who value the seasonal link. The ferry operator’s assessment of the route identified that reinstating the service in 2027 would reduce fleet flexibility and increase the risk of disruption elsewhere on the network, including to communities dependent on lifeline ferry services.

During the busy summer period, many routes are already operating at or near capacity, leaving limited opportunity to absorb disruption. Committing a vessel to a dedicated Campbeltown timetable would reduce CalMac's ability to respond to unforeseen events and could result in greater disruption across island communities.

Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s CEO, said: "We know this will be very disappointing news for the Campbeltown community, and we do not underestimate this.

"A number of options were carefully considered, but our assessment identified significant challenges around vessel availability and resilience. In particular, allocating one of the limited number of vessels capable of operating the Campbeltown service would reduce our ability to respond to vessel outages and other disruption elsewhere on the network. The age of our fleet, the ongoing need for vessel resilience and the uncertainty around future vessel availability mean we must retain as much flexibility as possible to respond to disruption and protect services for the communities that rely on them every day.

"While we recognise the benefits that a seasonal service can bring to Campbeltown, committing one of the very limited vessels capable of operating the route would create a significant risk elsewhere on the network. Our priority must be to ensure the greatest possible reliability for the greatest number of communities."

CalMac will continue to work with Transport Scotland and local stakeholders to explore opportunities which could support sustainable service provision beyond 2027.