Minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Melissa Stewart invited everyone to the meeting and invited nominations for the Chair. 

Councillor Anne Horn proposed that Council John Semple be appointed as Chair and this was seconded by Jim Martin.  No other nominations were forthcoming.

Councillor John Semple accepted the nomination as Chair of the group and was so appointed.

Discussion followed in regards the non-attendance of invitees to the meeting and also as to whether there was anyone missing from the proposed Membership.

Decision           

The group agreed:

1.                  That a letter would be drafted to invitees who had not attended the initial

            meeting to encourage their attendance at forthcoming meetings.

2.                  That an invite be extended to local hauliers and Transport Scotland to

            participate in the Sub-Group.

The group discussed the Terms of Reference and the following amendments were made:-

1. The main purpose of the sub-group will be to undertake an appraisal of proposed or desired development work to assist with the maximisation potential of all current and future ferry services from Kintyre.
2. The sub-group will review the operation and impact of the new ferry service between Campbeltown and Ayrshire and assess how best the Group can ensure that this service provides maximum economic benefit to the Kintyre area.

The group agreed the remaining Terms of Reference and agreed that in addition to reporting to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, they would report to KIWG.

The group agreed to initially focus on the new Campbeltown to Ayrshire route and gave consideration to the following:-

• Projected figures
• Proposed meeting with Transport Scotland – to discuss proposals for next year’s  timetable, the inadequate signage at Ardrossan Harbour and permanent signage on trunk roads
• Proposed meeting with Scot Rail to discuss arrangements for train links to the harbour and dealing with cancelled sailings.
• Working with CalMac to market the service – perhaps cross marketing.
• Identify ferry usage – possibility of survey monkey being utilised

Decision

The group agreed that the Chair would take forward meetings with Transport Scotland and CalMac Marketing Group to discuss the matters raised, noting that there was some urgency in taking forward these issues to effectively market the service for the 2014 season.  An update on these meetings would be taken to the next meeting of the Sub-Group.

The group agreed that they would also like to look at the Islay service as there were reports that the sailings were being block booked to transport whisky.  While this was positive, CalMac were using standby system for cars which was seen as a deterrent to some car passengers.  It was felt there may be opportunity to perhaps explore the potential for a second service to Campbeltown and to look at public transport connections from all services.

The date of the next meeting would take place in October, on a date yet to be confirmed.