CalMac restores ferry timetable as Covid absences fall

Image source, Getty Images

At a glance
  • Ferry operator CalMac says it will stop working to an essential services-only timetable sooner that it expected.
  • The restricted timetable was introduced following rising staff absences due to Covid.
  • At one stage more than 20% of CalMac's workforce was self-isolating.
  • Services will move to a more normal winter timetable on Wednesday.

West coast ferry operator CalMac says it will be able to resume near-normal services on Wednesday following a decline in staff absences due to Covid.

It moved to an essential services-only timetable on 3 January after high levels of absence due to workers testing positive or being close contacts.

At the height of CalMac's Covid problems, more than 20% of staff were having to self-isolate.

The temporary timetable was due to continue until 6 February.

CalMac's Mallaig-Lochboisdale service will remain cancelled. This is due to a delay in maintenance work to the ferry MV Caledonian Isles.

Managing director Robbie Drummond said: 鈥淚 am pleased to say that聽because of聽a聽significant drop in the number of staff unable to work due to Covid聽we can now offer a full聽winter聽service on the majority of routes."