A revised timetable for ferry sailings between Tayinloan and Gigha during February and March has been agreed, in consultation with the island’s residents.

The new timetable will be in operation on all Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between Monday February 6 and Friday March 29 2012 inclusive, when the winter timetable ends.

However, it will not be in operation on the following dates to accommodate increased ferry traffic expected as a result of the celebrations planned around the 10th anniversary of the buyout of the island:

• Wednesday 14 March
• Thursday 15 March
• Friday 16 March

Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for rural and island affairs, housing and Gaelic, Councillor Robin Currie, said the amendments were just the latest decision to be made in partnership with the community.

“We have done everything we can to minimise the inconvenience to those who rely on this ferry, and that has been done through trying to ensure that they are involved as much as possible in the alternative arrangements,” he said.

“I am grateful to the community for their ongoing co-operation during these works. The reward at the end of it will be the smoother operation of what is a lifeline ferry service for the people of Gigha.”

The revised timetable, which is advertised both on the ferry itself and at the terminals, is:

A weekend closure has already been agreed for 28 and 29 January 2012 where a service to Kennacraig will operate. However, if the weather prevents sheet piling works from being undertaken, the closure will take place the following weekend, 4 and 5 January 2012.