Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Jim Fairlie, MSP Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity to the meeting.

Mr Fairlie provided the background to the community needs based assessment and the decision to remove 3 sailings for the Dunoon-Gourock route. Mr Fairlie added that this decision was reached following careful consideration and engagement and that the revisions being made will ensure that the service remains efficient and effective. Mr Fairlie advised that consultation will now be undertaken to determine which of the 3 sailings will be removed from the timetable and encouraged all stakeholders to engage with this process.

A full discussion was had on the implications and the next steps of the change to the service with Partners requesting that the following points be taken into consideration:

-       Half hourly sailings would be many customers preference, thereby reducing confusion.

-       Any future service must be more reliable and efficient than it currently is.

-       One of the vessels should be identified as a back-up and should only be used in the event that the primary vessel is unable to operate and/or is undergoing maintenance.

-       Cognisance should be given to peak and off-peak provision.

-       Integration with other transport providers should be enhanced.

-       The consultation should be broad, with community groups that have undertaken similar studies invited to contribute.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Gordon Blair and Audrey Forrest, Sophie Marshall and Bart Simonis Police Scotland, Ewan Tait, Scotrail, Graham Revill, Hunters Quay Community Council, Simon Stuart, Timber Transport and Michael Breslin.

Forum members raised concerns that there was no representative from Argyll and Bute Councils Roads Department. The Chair agreed to liaise with Roads and Infrastructure Services regarding their representation at future meetings of the Cowal Transport Forum.

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on Wednesday 29 January 2025

The minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on Wednesday 29 January 2025 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair highlighted that since the last meeting of the Forum there will be a wider discussion on the community needs assessment which will be reported back to the Forum. The Chair noted the pilot for ticketing at the Dunoon-Gourock service and welcomed the announcements of two new vessels being procured by Western Ferries.

Update from Police Scotland

The Forum were provided with a written update from Inspector Bart Simonis on the ongoing work of the service and the priorities for the Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh areas.

Outcome

The Forum noted the written update from Police Scotland.

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members

Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members

Western Ferries

Gordon Ross updated for Forum on dredging work being undertaken which had made a difference and that the service had not been affected. He further advised that improvements will be made to the berthing facility at Kilmun to coincide with the delivery of 2 new vessels.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Western Ferries.

CalMac

Victoria Shaw advised that the MV Argyll Flyer being unavailable has had a significant impact on operation, investigations around the issues faced by the vessel are ongoing and updates will be provided as soon as possible. The ticketing trial on the Gourock – Dunoon service is due to begin on Monday, 12 May for two weeks, which will provide more front line support for customers.

Iain Slorach advised of the formation of a ferry sub-group, which the Forum supported.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from CalMac.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members

Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members

West Coast Motors

Neil Stewart provided an update on works being undertaken including the parking ban, Dunoon Grammar School capacity and the change of the app provider. He advised there had been an overall 5% drop in passengers due to changes in the CalMac timetables.

A question was raised about Council bus signage at the Dunoon ferry terminal, specifically that some routes were not being listed. The Chair advised that he would liaise with Argyll and Bute Councils Roads Department regarding this.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from West Coast Motors.

SPT

Allan Comrie provided an update on the current activities and that all services were operating as usual.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from SPT.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members

The Chair advised that there was no representative from the Roads Department present but he would take back any questions received and update the Forum accordingly.

There were no questions raised.

Update from Transport Scotland

Ian Woodcock proved the Forum with a verbal update highlighting recent activities including:

-       The motorcycle safety guidance document for local authorities and prime motorcycle sites will be sign posted and chevrons marked.

-       Ongoing works at the Rest and Be Thankful specifically the installation of debris flow netting, the A83 will be closed over the next few months with dates being finalised shortly.

-       Other works – A82, 5 weeks of drainage works under temporary traffic management;  third party works at Arrochar for 6 weeks with 3-way set of traffic lights; A78 current works at Inverkip and the Bowling round about resurfacing.

David Clough, Dunoon Community Council raised a concern around the awarding of a contract by the Ferry Directort. Mr Clough appreciated that Mr Woodcock was not in a position to comment on this and that he would continue to pursue this matter.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Transport Scotland.

Update from Timber Transport Group

Timber Transport

The Chair advised that Simon Stuart had submitted his apologies for the meeting but he would take back any questions received and update the Forum accordingly.

There were no questions raised.

Gordon Ross asked a question on the Scottish Governments new free travel for under 22 year olds and why Dunoon had missed out.

The Chair advised that the new travel scheme was for inter-island travels but he would raise Mr Ross’s concerns with the Scottish Government.

Gordon Ross asked a further question on the islands connectivity plan and that there was no reference to shore side infrastructure improvements associated with the Gourock to Dunoon routes.

The Chair advised that he would raise this with parliamentarians, specifically those representing Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde.

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting and the Forum noted that the next meeting would be held during the week beginning 6 October 2025.