logo
CalMac news, interviews and updates about the ferry operator

CalMac news, interviews and updates about the ferry operator

Yahoo02-06-2025
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the Scottish Government-owned ferry operator, plays a crucial role along Scotland's west coast.
Serving islands such as Arran, Bute, Mull, Islay, and Skye, it provides vital connections for residents and businesses alike.
The service is a key lifeline for the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde islands.
Read on for all the latest CalMac news, interviews and updates on the ferry operator.
As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest CalMac news stories.
Ferguson Marine: Swinney urged to act over funding stalls
'Doubt' over CalMac new ferry contract from October
Why does CalMac still run Scotland's ferries amidst continuing ire?
You can request a refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before departure – but a £10 admin fee applies.
If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or don't show up, you won't get a refund – though there are some exceptions.
Check the full details at: calmac.co.uk/faqs/cancellations-and-refunds
(Image: Newsquest) Cancellations must be made through the Customer Engagement Centre.
Customers can also change their bookings online through their account, according to CalMac's website.
CalMac is owned by the Scottish Government. Prior to 1990, CalMac was part of the state-owned Scottish Transport Group.
CalMac has adjusted services across its network due to delays in the annual overhaul.
This includes changes to vessels and schedules.
The operator has advised customers to check the service status page for the latest information.
CalMac ferry customers can check the timetable and status of their service online or on X, @CalMac_Updates.
CalMac has a wide range of tickets and food options.
According to the official website, adults aged 16 and over require a ticket, while children aged five to 15 can travel for half the adult fare.
Onboard, passengers can enjoy self-service dining at the Mariners cafeterias, with options including homemade soup of the day, freshly made baguettes, fish and chips, Scottish steak pie, and 'CalMac and Cheese.'
For children, meals include chicken fillet bites, mac and cheese, and mini fish and chips.
CalMac strongly recommends that foot passengers book online or by phone in advance, although tickets may still be available to purchase at the port depending on the route.
For details on turn-up-and-go routes and more information, visit: calmac.co.uk/faqs/tickets-and-reservations.
You can bring your pets on board CalMac ferries, but you'll need to book a free pet ticket in advance. Pets are welcome on all outside passenger decks, but for hygiene reasons, they're not permitted in food, drink, or carpeted areas.
Assistance dogs are allowed in all public areas of the ferry, except designated children's play areas.
For full details, visit the pet travel FAQ: Travelling with pets.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland
The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

Hamilton Spectator

time19 minutes ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

President Donald Trump is in Scotland, where he is meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to refine a trade deal the two leaders signed last month. During Monday's meeting with Starmer, Trump said that Israel 'has a lot of responsibility' for what is happening in Gaza, but said the country is hampered by considerations of the remaining hostages it wants to see freed and kept alive. Over the weekend, Trump visited his golf properties as his family's business prepares to open a new Scottish course bearing his name in August. Critics argue the overseas trip — with its entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — is an example of Trump's blending of presidential duties with promoting his family's business interests. The White House has called the visit a working trip. Here's the latest: Trump dismisses the idea of meeting with Putin When asked by a reporter about a proposed in-person meeting with Putin, Trump said, 'I'm not so interested in talking anymore.' 'He talks with such nice conversation, such respectful and nice conversations,' Trump said. 'And then, people die the following night with a missile going into a town and hitting.' Trump dials back criticism of Fed Although he's left no doubt that he wants lower interest rates, Trump's criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell lacked some of his recent vitriol. 'I'm not going to say anything bad,' he said. 'We're doing so well, even without the rate cut.' Trump met Powell at the Fed headquarters last week, where he criticized the cost of renovations. The president has used the issue as a political cudgel as he pushes for lower rates. 'A smart person would cut,' Trump said, adding that Powell 'leaves very soon.' Powell's term ends next May. Trump looking forward to September state visit to UK The president reflected on how his unprecedented second state visit, scheduled for later this year, has never been done and reminisced about his last state visit in 2019 during his first term. 'It was one of the most beautiful evenings I've ever seen,' Trump said of his first visit. As he spoke about the pomp and ceremony of the evening, he said to Starmer, 'Nobody does it like you people.' Starmer, too, pointed out how the nation had never invited a U.S. president for a second state visit. 'You can imagine just how special that's going to be,' Starmer said. US-China trade talks have begun in Stockholm, China's state media says U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading the U.S. team in the negotiations, while Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading the Chinese delegation. The two sides earlier agreed to a truce in the trade war, and this time are expected to work toward a more lasting deal that may address the trade imbalance and possibly prepare for a summit between their presidents. Trump suggests Israel has responsibility for improving humanitarian aid in Gaza He said that Israel 'has a lot of responsibility' for what is happening, but said the country is hampered by considerations of the remaining hostages it wants to see kept alive and freed. 'I think Israel can do a lot,' Trump said, without offering more information. Trump says US will boost aid to Gaza There was little in the way of specifics, but Trump said during a meeting with Starmer that 'we're going to set up food centers.' He said, 'We want to help,' and 'we have to get the kids fed.' Earlier in the day, Trump expressed annoyance that the U.S. hadn't received more credit for previous rounds of humanitarian aid. Trump says he's only going to give Russia 10 to 12 more days to reach peace The president was asked to clarify after he said earlier Monday that he would shorten his 50-day window for Russia to reach peace with Ukraine. Trump said there was 'no reason in waiting.' 'We just don't see any progress being made,' he added. Trump says he will shorten deadline for Russia to reach peace in Ukraine Two weeks ago, the president said he would give Russia and Ukraine just 50 days to make a deal to end the war. Now, Trump said, he's going to reduce that time to a 'lesser number.' 'I think I already know the answer, what's going to happen,' he said, expressing skepticism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to reach an agreement. Trump repeated his criticism of Putin for talking about ending the war, only to continue bombarding Ukraine. 'And I say, that's not the way to do it,' Trump said. He added that 'I'm disappointed in President Putin.' Trump disagrees with Israeli leader's claim that there's 'no starvation in Gaza' The president, when asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks about hunger in Gaza, said, 'I don't know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.' Netanyahu on Sunday said, 'There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza.' Starmer, standing next to Trump, said, 'We've got to get that ceasefire' in Gaza and called it 'a desperate situation.' Trump said the two will talk about the humanitarian situation in Gaza when they meet inside. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland
The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

San Francisco Chronicle​

timean hour ago

  • San Francisco Chronicle​

The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

President Donald Trump is in Scotland, where he is meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to refine a trade deal the two leaders signed last month. During the trip, Trump has also visited Trump golf properties as his family's business prepares to open a new Scottish course bearing his name in August. Critics argue the overseas trip — with its entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — is an example of Trump's blending of presidential duties with promoting his family's business interests. The White House has called the visit a working trip. Trump will embark on a formal state visit to the U.K. later this year. US-China trade talks have begun in Stockholm, China's state media says U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading the U.S. team in the negotiations, while Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading the Chinese delegation. The two sides earlier agreed to a truce in the trade war, and this time are expected to work toward a more lasting deal that may address the trade imbalance and possibly prepare for a summit between their presidents. He said that Israel 'has a lot of responsibility' for what is happening, but said the country is hampered by considerations of the remaining hostages it wants to see kept alive and freed. 'I think Israel can do a lot,' Trump said, without offering more information. Trump says US will boost aid to Gaza There was little in the way of specifics, but Trump said during a meeting with Starmer that 'we're going to set up food centers.' He said, 'We want to help,' and 'we have to get the kids fed.' Earlier in the day, Trump expressed annoyance that the U.S. hadn't received more credit for previous rounds of humanitarian aid. Trump says he's only going to give Russia 10 to 12 more days to reach peace The president was asked to clarify after he said earlier Monday that he would shorten his 50-day window for Russia to reach peace with Ukraine. Trump said there was 'no reason in waiting.' 'We just don't see any progress being made,' he added. Trump says he will shorten deadline for Russia to reach peace in Ukraine Two weeks ago, the president said he would give Russia and Ukraine just 50 days to make a deal to end the war. Now, Trump said, he's going to reduce that time to a 'lesser number.' 'I think I already know the answer, what's going to happen,' he said, expressing skepticism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to reach an agreement. Trump repeated his criticism of Putin for talking about ending the war, only to continue bombarding Ukraine. 'And I say, that's not the way to do it,' Trump said. He added that 'I'm disappointed in President Putin.' Trump disagrees with Israeli leader's claim that there's 'no starvation in Gaza' The president, when asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks about hunger in Gaza, said, 'I don't know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.' Netanyahu on Sunday said, 'There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza.' Starmer, standing next to Trump, said, 'We've got to get that ceasefire' in Gaza and called it 'a desperate situation.'

As President Donald Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms
As President Donald Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms

Chicago Tribune

time3 hours ago

  • Chicago Tribune

As President Donald Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms

EDINBURGH, Scotland — President Donald Trump once suggested his golf course in Scotland 'furthers' the U.S.-U.K. relationship. Now he's getting the chance to prove it. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting Monday with Trump at a golf property owned by the president's family near Turnberry in southwestern Scotland — then later traveling to Abderdeen, on the country's northeast coast, where there's another Trump golf course and a third is opening soon. During his first term in 2019, Trump posted of his Turnberry property, 'Very proud of perhaps the greatest golf course anywhere in the world. Also, furthers U.K. relationship!' Starmer is not a golfer, but toggling between Trump's Scottish courses shows the outsized influence the president puts on properties bearing his name — and on golf's ability to shape geopolitics. However, even as Trump may want to focus on showing off his golf properties, Starmer will try to center the conversation on more urgent global matters. He plans to urge Trump to press Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and attempt to end what Downing St. called 'the unspeakable suffering and starvation' in the territory, while pushing for a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas. Britain, along with France and Germany, has criticized Israel for 'withholding essential humanitarian assistance' as hunger spread in Gaza. Over the weekend, Starmer said Britain will take part in efforts led by Jordan to airdrop aid after Israel temporarily eased restrictions. But British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged Monday that only the U.S. has 'the leverage' to make a real difference in the conflict. Still, asked about the crisis in Gaza on Sunday night, Trump was largely dismissive — focused more on how he's not personally gotten credit for previous attempts to provide food aid. 'It's terrible. You really at least want to have somebody say, 'Thank you,'' Trump said. The president added, 'It makes you feel a little bad when you do that' without what he considered proper acknowledgement. Starmer is under pressure from his Labour Party lawmakers to follow France in recognizing a Palestinian state, a move both Israel and the U.S. have condemned. The British leader says the U.K. supports statehood for the Palestinians but that it must be 'part of a wider plan' for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israeli strikes kill at least 36 people in Gaza, officials say, as some aid restrictions are easedAlso on Monday's agenda, according to Starmer's office, are efforts to promote a possible peace deal to end fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine — particularly efforts at forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table in the next 50 days. Trump in the past sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for also failing to express enough public gratitude toward U.S. support for his country, taking a similar tack he's now adopting when it comes to aid for Gaza. The president, though, has shifted away from that tone and more sharply criticized Putin and Russia in recent weeks. On Tuesday, Trump will be at the site of his new course near Aberdeen for an official ribbon-cutting. It opens to the public on Aug. 13 and tee times are already for sale — with the course betting that a presidential visit can help boost sales. What to expect, and what not to, at the UN meeting on an Israel-Palestinian two-state solutionProtesters have planned a demonstration in Balmedie, near Trump's existing Aberdeen golf course, after demonstrators took to the streets across Scotland on Saturday to decry the president's visit while he was golfing. Starmer and Trump are likely to find more common ground on trade issues. While China initially responded to Trump's tariff threats by retaliating with high import taxes of its own on U.S. goods, it has since begun negotiating to ease trade tensions. Starmer and his country have taken a far softer approach. He's gone out of his way to work with Trump, flattering the president repeatedly during a February visit to the White House, and teaming up to announce a joint trade framework on tariffs for some key products in May. Starmer and Trump then signed a trade agreement during the G7 summit in Canada that freed the U.K.'s aerospace sector from U.S. tariffs and used quotas to reduce them on auto-related industries from 25% to 10% while increasing the amount of U.S. beef it pledged to import. Discussions with Starmer follow a Trump meeting Sunday with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry course. They announced a trade framework that will put 15% tariffs on most goods from both countries, though many major details remain pending. The president has for months railed against yawning U.S. trade deficits around the globe and sees tariffs as a way to try and close them in a hurry. But the U.S. ran an $11.4 billion trade surplus with Britain last year, meaning it exported more to the U.K. than it imported. Census Bureau figures this year indicate that the surplus could grow. There are still lingering U.S.-Britain trade issues that need fine-tuning. The deal framework from May said British steel would enter the U.S. duty-free, but it continues to face a 25% levy. U.K. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Monday that 'negotiations have been going on on a daily basis' and 'there's a few issues to push a little bit further today,' though he downplayed expectations of a resolution. The leader of Scotland, meanwhile, said he will urge Trump to lift the current 10% tariff on Scotch whisky. First Minister John Swinney said the spirit's 'uniqueness' justified an exemption. Even as some trade details linger and both leaders grapple with increasingly difficult choices in Gaza and Ukraine, however, Starmer's staying on Trump's good side appears to be working — at least so far. 'The U.K. is very well-protected. You know why? Because I like them — that's their ultimate protection,' Trump said during the G7.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store