Residents on Mull have welcomed the introduction of extra ferry sailings which mean that - for the first time in history - the island is in commuter distance of Oban.
Although it is just a forty five minute sea journey from Oban workers have been unable to commute to a full time job on the mainland because of the restraints of the ferry timetable.
However, the arrival of a second ferry, Coruisk, to ply the route alongside CalMac's Isle of Mull, has seen new opportunities opened up for workers, at both ends of the Oban to Craignure crossing.
An additional 50 sailings a week were brought in with the summer timetable on Friday, just in time for the Easter weekend.
Steve Willis, Secretary of Mull Community Council, said: "It is brilliant that we now have a two boat service, but more so the fact that we have got one that suits commuters for the first time in history."
He said that as well as opening up work opportunities for islanders on the mainland it should ease staffing problems on Mull, as workers from Oban could now commute there.
Kirsty Renton, who lives in Salen, Mull and works as a bank clerk in Oban, said: "I commute every day to work part-time, but to have an hourly service will give me more options if I want to work late.
"This will make a difference to people who are working full time and want a job on the mainland. It's such a small commute. It's good for everyone."
Neal Goldsmith, Chairman of the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee, said: "I came back on the Coruisk on Saturday and it was packed, both boats were full, it's great, it's a good start."
He said the route would revert to a one boat service in the quitter winter months, but the ferry committee
was working with CalMac towards timetable changes to accommodate commuters all year round.
Mr Goldsmith added that extensive consultation with community groups had been 99.2 per cent in favour of an all year round commuter service.
Argyll SNP MSP Michael Russell said: "I am delighted that the long campaign to get a timetable that allows commuting on and off the island has finally worked.
"The summer timetable, though not perfect, is a big improvement and the work now will be to sustain that improvement over each winter, which is essential if the new employment opportunities that these developments
permit are to be secured and sustained."
CalMac's Director of Operations Drew Collier said: "Listening to our customers is central to the service we provide.
The enhanced timetable answers many of the questions we have been asked about how we could better tailor
our services to suit the needs of the communities we serve."
He added that the two boat summer service would balance the additional capacity needs due to the introduction of cheaper
Ret (Road Equivalent Tariff) fares.
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