Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Gordon Blair, Ian Woodcock Transport Scotland, Allan Comrie SPT, Richard Hadfield Transport Scotland and Kirsty Taylor-Walsh Macbrayne’s.

Forum members raised concerns that there was no representative from Argyll and Bute Councils Roads Department.

Action

The Chair agreed to liaise with Roads and Infrastructure Services regarding their representation at future meetings of the Cowal Transport Forum and to invite the new Head of Service to attend a future meeting of the Forum.

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on Friday 9 May 2025

The minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on Friday 9 May 2025 were approved as a correct record.

Update from Police Scotland

The Forum were provided with a verbal  update from PS Sophie Marshall on the ongoing work of the service and the priorities for the Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh areas.

Kirstie Reid raised raised concerns around the number  of cycles being ridden on the pavements on Argyll Street,  Dunoon, and the safety issues, especially for the elderly when shopping.

Action

PS Sophie Marshall to remind the public of the dangers of cycling on pavements via social media channels.

Outcome

The Forum noted the written update from Police Scotland.

Councillor Daniel Hampsey advised that following the decision by the Scottish Government to remove 3 sailings for the Dunoon – Gourock route that discussions around which sailings will be removed remain ongoing. Councillor Hampsey expected an announcement on the cancelled sailings to be made in advance of the introduction of the Winter timetable on 19 October.

The Forum noted the importance around the publication and promotion of these changes; that changes to the ferry timetable must take into consideration connectivity with other transport providers, specifically Scotrail and that every effort should be made to overturn this decision.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Councillor Hampsey.

Western Ferries

Gordon Ross updated the Forum that the 2 new vessels were progressing well and that the reliability on their service remains very high. Mr Ross also confirmed that they would introduce additional capacity to meet the demands of extra visitors during the Cowal Highland Gathering.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Western Ferries.

CalMac

Victoria Shaw advised that the MV Argyll Flyer has had its return to service delayed and that it is now expected to return by the end of September. Miss Shaw further advised that they are looking at contingency options for the Cowal Highland Gathering weekend and will liaise with Western Ferries and West Coast Motors in this regard.

Miss Shaw also confirmed the overhaul schedule dates for the MV Ali Cat (27 October to 11 November 2025) and MV Argyll Flyer (11 March to 2 April 2026).

Action

CalMac to share arrangements for the Cowal Gathering as soon as they are finalised with Forum members.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from CalMac.

David Clough advised that the 907 Bus Service to Glasgow is now more of an express service, with limited stops and that there is no priority boarding guarantee. The connection to Braehead was an issue, as most passengers wish to travel directly to Glasgow.

Mr Clough advised that Dunoon Community are working closely with West Coast Motors to explore options to introduce a 2 hourly service from Dunoon to Glasgow, calling at Gourock Railway Station and Buchanan Street, making a minimum number of stops in order to attract the concessionary fare scheme.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

West Coast Motors

Neil Stewart provided an update on behalf of West Coast Motors. This covered 489 service providing an evening timetable to meet all ferries from now on, the 480 service providing a return service from Hunter’s Quay to Dunoon ]#, the 486 service changing to the 487 service on Saturday mornings, the 478 service now operating at 5.40pm to get to Colintraive, the issue of overcrowding on the 10.45am ferry bus and the provision of extra buses for Cowal Highland Games.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from West Coast Motors.

Scotrail

Ewan Tait advised that fares will change from the beginning of September, as all tickets will now be the same price. There will be no offpeak/peak prices and that the timetable will change on Sunday 14 December, which will have a minimal impact on Inverclyde.

David Clough asked if connecting trains to ferries could be highlighted on timetables, as not all trains connect. Mr Tait confirmed that  he would explore this, and will check train announcements and boarding screens for communication.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Scotrail.

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.

Kirstie Reid raised concerns that  lorries are having to hug the side of the road along Loch Eck  due to its narrow width.

Simon Stuart advised that Timber Transport Group have looked at this, and will liaise directly with the  Council Roads Department.

Gordon Ross enquired when the roads in Dunoon are expected to be resurfaced. The Chair advised that he would raise this with the Council Roads Department.

Outcome

The Forum agreed to pass any related questions to the Chair who would pass these to the Roads Department for a response.

Update from Transport Scotland

The Forum considered a written update from Transport Scotland advising of a number of ongoing activities and confirming that the full programme of works at the Rest and Be Thankful will only be determined following the conclusion of the ground investigation works.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Transport Scotland.

(Reference: Report by Transport Scotland, submitted)

Update from Timber Transport Group

Timber Transport

Simon Stuart advised there continues to be an impact for timber transport at the Rest & Be Thankful road works, recognising there is no way round it and they will continue to be impacted by the works.

The Forum noted the update from Timber Transport Group.

Report by David Clough, Transport Lead Dunoon Community Council.

Consideration was given to a report which provided information on the ongoing activities of Dunoon Community Council, including the ongoing discussions around the Gourock – Dunoon ferry route, a complaint submitted to CalMac regarding incorrect information given by a CalMac employee, issues with replacement bus service from Dunoon and lobbying of the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, and others, around ferry provision.

Outcome

The Forum noted the report  from Dunoon Community Council.

(Reference: Report by Dunoon Community Council, submitted)

Gordon Ross raised the question regarding the Western Ferry service on the hour, and the fact that McGill’s bus leaves before the ferry arrives. He asked if it would be able to wait at McInroy’s Point as opposed to sitting at Port Glasgow station.

Kirstie Reid said that the bus used to go from Calmac ferry to Inverclyde Royal Hospital. Apparently this is no longer on the route.

Action

The Chair advised he will investigate both points.

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting and the Forum noted that the next meeting would be advised for November, due to the October meeting being brought forward to August.