Work on Craignure linkspan scheduled for 6 and 7 March

Argyll and Bute Council will carry out essential maintenance works to the Craignure linkspan over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March 2021 as part of its cylinder refurbishment programme.

Ferry sailings over the weekend will be limited to a restricted passenger only service and those that will be running are:

• 13.15/17.00 departing Craignure on Saturday 6March; and
• 09.15/13.15/17.00 departing Craignure on Sunday 7 March.

Please check the CalMac website for up-to-date information.

The works involve removing the southern hydraulic lifting cylinder, and replacing it with the spare cylinder. Works to the lower bracket assembly are also required. The cylinder that is removed will be taken away, overhauled and kept as a spare for the future.

Initial preparatory work will done early on the evening of Friday 5 March, once the sailing has left Craignure at 17.10. The main lifting works will be carried out during Saturday and Sunday dayshifts. The works are programmed to finish by Sunday evening so that to normal services can resume on Monday 8 March.

Arrangements for passengers with mobility issues will be different during the works. CMAL has removed the Passenger Access System at Craignure because there are safety concerns. People will leave the ferry via the car deck. When the work is going on to the linkspan, passengers will use a staff gangplank, and this is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Note to editors:

This work is weather dependent. In the event of poor weather and high winds, works will be carried out the following weekend - 13 and 14 March.

Revised timetable

Ends