Islay ferries facing disruption

The 24 routes operated by CalMac cost the executive £32m last year

Ferry services to Islay face three months of disruption to allow essential engineering works to get under way.

The pier at Port Askaig has been closed to allow the replacement of the current ferry linkspan and other facilities.

Caledonian MacBrayne confirmed that all services to and from Islay would operate from Port Ellen.

The closure brings forward a planned interruption in the service from Port Askaig which had been scheduled for mid-February.

A CalMac spokesman said: "We assure our customers on the island and the mainland that we will endeavour to keep any possible disruption to a minimum and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that the work is completed as quickly as possible.

"Customers should obviously keep an eye out for local notices and updates on our website www.calmac.co.uk and we will ensure that gives everyone the best possible information."