Issue - meetings

The Group considered a letter from the Head of Ferries Policy and Contract Management at Transport Scotland regarding the current ferry provision in Dunoon and a written update detailed below:

Local Engagement

Transport Scotland is committed to ensuring that the views of the residents of the Cowal Peninsula are listened to, which is why we attend the Clyde Ferry Stakeholder Group, organised by HITRANS.

During the most recent meeting of Wednesday 12 December, which was attended by various local stakeholders, elected officials, Argyll Ferries Ltd, Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd, a range of issues were discussed, including performance of the Gourock to Dunoon Ferry Service.

Transport Scotland receives regular feedback on the views of the local community during our monthly contract review meetings with Argyll Ferries and looks to address these where practicable.

Future of the Gourock to Dunoon Ferry Service

Following the announcement in the Scottish Parliament on 12 December 2018, the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service will transfer to CalMac when the current contract ends in January 2019, becoming part of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network.

From the 21 January 2019, CalMac will provide a passenger-only service, in line with the current timetable arrangements, and consideration will be given to improved harbour facilities for passengers.

Discussions will also be held with key stakeholders on the introduction of electric vehicle hubs at both ferry terminals, as well as developing the ferry service to encourage active travel users.

We carefully considered all of the available options in the context of value for money, as recommended in the recent Audit Scotland report. We concluded that cancelling the tender and transferring responsibility for a passenger-only ferry service to CalMac was the most appropriate course of action. This will ensure that the communities continue to benefit from a range of travel options, including a more reliable, efficient and sustainable passenger ferry service into the future.

Further consideration will now be given to vessel and service requirements going forward, in consultation with local stakeholders and trade unions, with a view to ensuring that the ferry service fully meets the needs of the community and passengers.

Gourock to Kilcreggan service

Scottish Ministers welcomed SPT’s recent award of a contract to operate the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service to a new operator. We are aware that this has seen a significant improvement in the service and that more people are now using the service. Once we are satisfied that that the new contract represents the true cost of providing a reliable service, Scottish Ministers will be in a position to consider a transfer of responsibility further.

Outcome

1. The Cowal Transport Forum agreed to write to the Transport Minister and Transport Scotland outlining the key challenges facing the service and suggested solutions, and requesting further details on the impact the decision would have on the service and whether  there were any planned improvements for the service.

2. Council Officers to clarify if they anticipate any changes are required to the shore side infrastructure as a result of the decision by Transport Scotland.

3. The Forum expressed disappointment at Transport Scotland not attending the meeting.

Simon Richmond agreed to investigate concerns raised regarding the lack of a bus replacement on occasions when the ferry service was cancelled.