Issue - meetings

The Area Governance Officer explained that Transport Scotland Ferries unit had declined the invitation to come to the meeting to discuss the ferry service on the basis that the tender exercise had commenced.  A further invitation to attend and discuss the issues with the service had also been declined on the basis that the operator would be able to respond to any concerns about the service.

(a)      Dunoon to Gourock Tendering Process

Gordon Ross provided a brief update that there was an interim report to be published by the Transport Minister in December. The Transport Minister had indicated that there preference  would be no requirements to tender going forward, however there are still significant obstacles to overcome. For example ownership and financial governance.

Gordon Ross commented that the existing contract with Argyll Ferries could continue for months if not years.

Lee McDowell spoke regarding the additional information requested from Caledonian MacBrayne before the full report would be published and Gordon Ross commented that the contract could continue for months if not years until a final answer was forthcoming.

Current services as they stand will continue and the Transport Minister indicated that there will be no answer on RET until the policy issues are dealt with.

Archie Reid stated that currently this was not good enough for the town. Western Ferries run a great service but he wants a reliable passenger service in the town as people can’t be expected to walk to Western Ferries. He also commented that businesses rely on people coming to the town and the current passenger only service is not reliable or acceptable.

OUTCOME

The Group noted that a reliable passenger service is required and requested that George Fiddes invite a suitable representative from Transport Scotland to the next meeting to discuss ferries.

Argyll Ferries

Lee McDowell provided the following update:

·         Security is now in place on Fri & Sat evenings and ticket sales are now done on the shore at Gourock.

·         Works completed successfully on Gourock roundhead.

·         Ali Cat DD completed successfully  - ran a day late due to tides when going in water.

·         Argyll Flyer went in for engine repairs prior to that for several days as pre-emptive repairs 

·         No current timetable changes 

·         Still waiting on a decision re Coruisk over winter  - could be from 17th Dec but this is still to be confirmed by Transport Scotland. 

·         Currently working on improving heating and the impact of removing the vending machines

Western Ferries

Gordon Ross provided the following update:

·         The linkspan at McInroy’s Point was almost complete but required a week of good weather to ensure the crane could operate.

·         Planning permission is being considered by Argyll and Bute Council to replicate the works from McInroy’s Point at Hunters Quay which will improve turnaround and less exposure to tidal shifts. Works for this will start spring 2018 and it is hoped that it will improve shuttling and robustness of service and give multiple berthing options.

Iain McNaughton asked if there would be any Improvements to passenger facilities. Gordon responded as they are running a service with no longer than a 15 minute waiting time improvements aren’t really required.

It was noted that ferry users should check social media for any disruptions to the service due to climactic weather as this is updated regularly.

Caledonian MacBrayne

Lee McDowell provide the following update:

Colintraive Rhubodach:

·         Work progressing at Colintraive - temp slip now in service and new traffic management in place to allow refurb of old slip. New slip being built at Rhubodach

·         Cancelled sailings in spring owing to exceptional spring tides causing negative tidal predications.

Tarbert to Portavadie:

·         Isle of Cumbrae Technical Issue delay on relief vessel caused by simultaneous other breakdowns

·         Reduction in cancelled sailings due to using the smaller MV Raasay to cover.

Douglas Blades asked if there was anything that could be done to prevent those parking at Rhubodach from removing the traffic cones which then caused an issue for the bus turning.

OUTCOME

Lee McDowell agreed to raise the issue of bus turning at Rhubodach with his colleagues and request that they keep an eye on the situation.