International Removals from Argyll and Bute
Booked crossings, foot-passenger ferries and the roads to the islands
A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.
How does a moving company van reach Mull from Oban?
By a 45-minute crossing to Craignure that has to be booked. International removals from Argyll and Bute often begin with a ferry, and the operator's port page says “Crossing Time: 45 minutes. Operates year round (two vessels during summer season).” It also says “Pre-Booking of vehicles is strongly recommended.” On removals to the islands a moving company has to book the CalMac crossing first, and Dunoon being foot passengers only matters to anyone hoping to drive a van across.
The word to take from that is "vehicles". A van will not be loaded on a whim in summer. The port page for Oban adds that “All routes from Oban are bookable routes.” and lists crossing times from there: Colonsay 2 hours 15 minutes, Lismore 55 minutes and Castlebay 4 hours 45 minutes. For a removal firm, a booked place on the right day is part of the quote, and a wrong date can cost a day.
Check-in is a separate step. The operator warns for commercial vehicles that “It's important to check in no later than the times shown otherwise space could be reallocated and the vehicle refused shipment.” Check-in times are printed on the e-ticket and the timetable.
What about Islay?
Kennacraig is the mainland port for Islay, and the crossing is long enough to plan around. “Crossing Time: 1 hour 55 minutes to Port Askaig, 2 hours 10 minutes to Port Ellen.”
The page says “This is a bookable route. We advise you to book and reserve your preferred sailing in advance.” Pre-booking of vehicles is strongly recommended here too. The Isle of Mull and the Isle of Islay are covered here rather than on pages of their own, because the ferry facts are the main material and we found no separate island parking rule.
Rothesay and Dunoon
The two crossings to the Cowal and Bute shores behave differently, and neither is a simple drive-on.
From Wemyss Bay to Rothesay the crossing is 35 minutes and departs hourly, but the operator says “You cannot reserve a specific sailing on this route.” You buy a ticket in advance and may still be carried if you arrive without one. For Dunoon the CalMac Gourock route carries only walking passengers: “These are foot passenger only ferries if you wish to travel with a vehicle to Dunoon please contact Western Ferries” A lorry bound for Dunoon therefore uses the other operator, whose page we did not read.
Oban, Helensburgh, Ardrishaig and Campbeltown
No council parking page was read for Argyll and Bute, so there is no bay fee or notice to quote.
The towns on the mainland side, including Oban, Helensburgh, Ardrishaig and Campbeltown, fall under the same unitary council. Its parking suspension page was not found, so ask the council how many days it needs. On the islands the practical limit is usually the ferry, not the street.
Clydeside departures are covered by Glasgow, and the Ayrshire ferries by Ayrshire and Arran. From the east coast, the Aberdeen page describes the northern isles ferries. The UK removals comparison for movers adds the mainland picture.
For the far north and the crossings beyond Argyll, the Highlands and Islands removals by ferry page sets out the CalMac booking rules for a lorry and the NorthLink container service.
Questions about moving abroad from Argyll and Bute
Should a removal van be booked on the Oban to Craignure ferry?
The operator strongly recommends pre-booking vehicles, and the route is bookable.
The crossing is 45 minutes.
How long is the Kennacraig to Islay crossing?
1 hour 55 minutes to Port Askaig and 2 hours 10 minutes to Port Ellen.
Can a vehicle go to Dunoon on the CalMac Gourock ferry?
No.
The operator says those are foot passenger only ferries and directs vehicles to Western Ferries.
Can I reserve a sailing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay?
No.
The operator says a specific sailing cannot be reserved, although it advises buying a ticket in advance.
Tell us about your Argyll and Bute move
Give us the town or island, the month you plan to leave, your destination and the size of the load.
About International Removals Companies
International Removals Companies is an enquiry and introduction service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, in partnership with AGM Group. We don't move goods ourselves: the removal company quotes for your move and carries it out, so check its credentials and terms before you book. Our service is free. Discuss the quotation and booking terms directly with the removal company.
- Email[email protected]
- In partnership withAGM Group (agm.group)