CALMAC'S most popular ferry routes have been revealed following new figures obtained by an MSP.
The 2017 statistics obtained by Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, show that Ardrossan to Brodick had the highest number of passengers with 844,198.
This was followed by Largs to Millport (745,619), Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (713,906), Oban to Craignure (670,248) and Mallaig to Armadale (285,483).
READ MORE: SNP MP hits back at Labour criticism of new CalMac ferry delays
The statistics also showed that the Skye to Mallaig route was the most popular crossing for coaches across Scotland.
“Since RET [Road Equivalent Tariff] was introduced by the SNP government, it’s great to see the rise in passengers," said Forbes.
“RET is vitally important to the islands and has arguably done more than anything else to level the playing field for island communities who need to travel.
“Mallaig to Armadale figures were up by 10% compared to the fateful summer of 2016.
"Importantly that means that visitors will be travelling through the Sleat peninsula, where communities have worked long and hard to build up a viable industry.
“In the midst of the important debates about ferries and not least the importance of the MV Coruisk to the Armadale-Mallaig crossing, it’s important to celebrate the huge contribution that RET has made to the island economies.”
Below is the full list of figues:
1. Ardrossan to Brodick: 844,198
2. Largs to Cumbrae Slip: 745, 619
3. Wemyss Bay to Rothesay: 713,906
4. Oban to Craignure: 670,248
5. Mallaig to Armadale: 285,483
6. Ullapool to Stornoway: 275,737
7. Fionnphort to Iona: 250,311
8. Colintraive to Rhubodach: 216,204
9. Kennacraig to Islay: 214,334
10. Uig to Tarbert/Lochmaddy: 195,752
11. Fishnish to Lochaline: 103,443
12. Tarbert Loch Fyne to Portavadie: 85,700
13. Sconser to Raasay: 81,988
14. Berneray to Leverburgh: 68,415
15. Tayinloan to Gigha: 68,025
16. Claonaig to Lochranza: 67,236
17. Ardmhor Barra to Eriskay: 59,887
18. Oban to Coll/Tiree: 58,717
19. Tobermory to Kilchoan: 49,635
20. Oban to Castlebay/Lochboisdale: 47,235
21. Mallaig to Eigg/Muck/Rum/Canna: 30,486
22. Mallaig to Lochboisdale: 27,612
23. Oban to Lismore: 25,971
24. Kennacraig to Islay/Colonsay/Oban: 22,222
25. Oban to Colonsay: 13,415
26. Ardrossan to Campbeltown 9995
27. Oban to Coll/Tiree/Castlebay: 5382
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