THE Scottish Government has been urged to reveal its plans going forward regarding frequency of sailings and safety measures on board the Cumbrae ferry.

Caledonian MacBrayne is currently running an essential services timetable across its network in response to the COVID-19 pandemic until at least 14 June.

While they work on establishing a new timetable with Transport Scotland, no future bookings will be available until then when an updated timetable will be confirmed.

Conservative List MSP Jamie Greene, his party's former shadow transport spokesman, says: “There are few places where the lockdown is felt more acutely than our island communities. They find themselves largely cut off from the mainland through reduced ferry services.

“As we begin to exit lockdown, the Scottish Government must offer clarity around future travel restrictions and what safety precautions should be taken by people embarking on our ferries.

“Above all we must all work to ensure that we deliver a frequent and reliable first-class ferry service that meets the needs of the Isle of Cumbrae.”

A spokesperson for CalMac said: "We understand that travel restrictions are undoubtedly challenging for our customers. Passenger numbers are down by 95 per cent across our routes. For many, important plans may have been delayed or changed during this time.

"We are acutely aware of the unique position of the island and rural communities we serve and we must balance this with any lessening of lockdown limitations.

"Therefore, any easing of travel restrictions to these areas must be gradual and carefully planned.

"That's why future bookings will be unavailable until we have agreed an updated timetable with Transport Scotland.

"We are taking our lead from the Scottish Government, while working closely with Transport Scotland and our island communities.

"When we agree our future timetable, it will be in line with their guidelines - and it will ensure we remain focused on the priority lifeline services and the welfare of the island communities we serve."

CalMac will be continuing its checks on people boarding for non-essential reasons, with port and ferry staff asking for proof that travellers are an island resident, or evidence that passengers are a key worker.

The firm's director of operations Robert Morrison said: "As the First Minister made very clear, travel to islands continues to be for essential reasons only. They are not open for recreational purposes and people trying to board for a day trip will be turned away."