CalMac Ferries has announced motorhomes, campervans and caravans will be banned from their standby queues – with immediate effect.

The decision was made following discussions with the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency and island stakeholder groups.

A standby queue allows those without tickets to board – so long as there is space left – after booked in passengers are processed.

A motorhome in the sunlight

Motorhomes, campervans and caravans are now banned from the standby queue on CalMac Ferries

The change is expected to be permanent – however, the state-owned ferry operator will be reviewing the decision and will welcome feedback.

The standby queue will still be available to island residents travelling with a motorhome, campervan or caravan. However, they will need to provide proof of address. 

Finlay MacRae, the head of operations for CalMac, said: “To prioritise customers without alternative accommodation and to optimise deck space at the end of loading, motorhomes, campervans and vehicles towing caravans will no longer be given a standby or waitlist position on all bookable routes – either at the reservation stage or on the day of sailing.” 

Restricting larger vehicles in standby lanes will allow us to make the best use of any remaining space for smaller vehicles, whose occupants may not have alternative options available for accommodation.”

“It will also remove the issue of larger vehicles filling up standby lanes and smaller vehicles having to be pulled out of car lanes if that is all that can be shipped at the end of the loading process.” 

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