CalMac advises motorhome bookings for Gigha

Caledonian MacBrayne told motorhome and campervan users on May 18 to arrange a campsite booking before traveling to Gigha, as the ferry operator warned of limited capacity on the island. The operator also repeated that caravans are not permitted on Gigha. The advice was issued through CalMac’s travel updates and matches standing information on the company’s route and FAQ pages for the Tayinloan-Gigha service. CalMac said visitors should ensure they have a campsite reservation or a private overnight arrangement before boarding for the island. ### What exactly did CalMac tell travelers on May 18? CalMac said on May 18 that motorhome and campervan users heading to Gigha should book a site before they travel, according to the operator’s travel notice and route guidance. The company said there are no other parking or facilities available for those vehicles unless travelers have made a private arrangement. (calmac.co.uk) The Gigha route remains a “turn up and go” ferry service for standard travel, according to CalMac’s route page, but the operator’s vehicle guidance adds a separate requirement for people bringing motorhomes or campervans to make overnight arrangements in advance. CalMac’s service-status page listed the Tayinloan-Gigha route as facing possible disruptions on May 18, though the site did not tie that status notice to the campsite warning. (calmac.co.uk) ### Why are caravans not allowed onto Gigha? CalMac’s published route information says caravans are not permitted on Gigha and that there are no caravan site facilities on the island. Visit Gigha, the island’s tourism website, gives the same guidance, saying caravans are not permitted on the island and therefore not permitted on the ferry. A CalMac timetable document for the route also states that caravans are not permitted on Gigha and says no caravan site facilities are available. (calmac.co.uk) The restriction appears in both the route page and timetable material rather than as a one-day operational change. ### How limited is the campsite space on Gigha? The Gigha campsite website says the campervan and motorhome area has 10 level pitches with hardstanding bays and electric hook-up. (calmac.co.uk) The site is run by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust and sits near the ferry slip at Ardminish Bay. Visit Gigha describes the camp and motorhome site as a small site that accepts motorhomes, campervans and tents. CalMac’s own guidance says motorhomes over 7 meters cannot be accommodated at the Gigha campsite, adding another limit for travelers planning to bring larger vehicles. (calmac.co.uk) ### Does this change how the ferry itself operates? The Tayinloan-Gigha route page says tickets are valid within the selected timetable period and that the service operates on a turn-up-and-go basis. (gighacampsite.co.uk) That means the ferry crossing itself is not described as reservation-only for regular passengers, even though overnight arrangements for motorhomes and campervans must be secured separately. (visitgigha.co.uk) CalMac’s FAQ page groups Gigha with other islands where vehicle visitors are asked to think about local capacity before arrival. For Gigha specifically, the company says travelers with motorhomes or campervans should arrange a campsite booking or private arrangement because no other parking or facilities are available. (calmac.co.uk) ### Where should travelers check before they leave for Tayinloan? CalMac directs travelers to its route-information and service-status pages for the latest sailing information on the Tayinloan-Gigha service. Visit Gigha and the Gigha campsite booking site provide the island-side details on campsite rules, availability and vehicle limits. The summer timetable for Tayinloan-Gigha runs through Oct. 18, 2026, according to CalMac’s route page. (calmac.co.uk) For travelers planning weekend trips with motorhomes or campervans, the next step is to confirm a pitch with the Gigha campsite or make a private arrangement before joining the ferry. (calmac.co.uk)