Issue - meetings

Verbal Update by Argyll Ferries and Western Ferries representatives

Simon Richmond of Calmac provided an update in respect of sailing figures; vessel maintenance and  confirmed that the current contract has been extended to March 2018 pending the outcome of an ongoing  review on whether the route is required to be tendered by the Scottish Government. It was also noted that there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving drunken passengers in recent months.

There was a general discussion on the issues raised including heating on the ferries and a request for information on the pattern of cancelled sailings.

There was no update from Western Ferries.  Hunter’s Quay Community Council advised the group that they had been unable to obtain a copy of the minutes of a meeting held on the 20^th of July 2016 between Argyll & Bute Council Roads Department, Wester Ferries and other interested parties regarding the issue of congestion at Hunter’s Quay and requested assistance in tracking down the information

Outcome:

The Forum agreed to note the update provided and to undertake the following actions:

1.          Simon Richmond will provide information on the number and pattern of cancelled sailing to the next meeting.

2.          The Chair will take forward the matter of the minute of the meeting on the 20^th of July 2016 with the relevant parties.