Minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by Neil Clapperton.

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 30 September, 2013 was approved.

The Chair tabled a draft revised 2-year timetable prepared following a stakeholders meeting on Arran and invited review and discussion from the group.

Discussion ensued on the various aspects and implications of the revised timetable.  The general consensus was that it would be more beneficial for the local economy in Campbeltown if more impetus was given to the 'in and out' direction of ferry travel as opposed to 'out and in flow'

Decision

The group agreed:-

1.       The Chair would consult with stakeholders on a more suitable timetable and,   

       with the agreement of stakeholders, promote this as an alternative timetable to  

       Transport Scotland suggesting that there should be provision for a day trip

       which the proposed timetable currently did not have, there should be sailings

       on a Saturday evening and that there should be no Arran connections.

1.      That if the alternative timetable could not considered by Transport Scotland, then the timetable used for 2013  should continue to operate.

This was discussed under Item 3.

The Chair gave the group an update on a recent meeting held with the CalMac Marketing Team and introduced Peter Griffiths, CalMac Group Public Affairs Team. 

Peter updated the group on the various initiatives currently undertaken by CalMac on various routes.  He advised on the media advertising sites CalMac utilised to promote the Company.  The Chair requested that CalMac help promote the various local events in the Kintyre area.  Peter stated that these were publicised on relevant routes and included the forthcoming Christmas market in Campbeltown.  He advised the group of the focus of some major events for 2014 which included – 2014 Homecoming.

Peter's contact details are as follows:-

Peter.griffiths@davidmacbrayne.co.uk

Tel: 01475 650371

The group gave further discussion to the issue of signage in Ardrossan and the need to address this issue.

The Group agreed that Signage would be retained on the Agenda for further discussion.

The group agreed the future meeting dates as follows:-

25 April, 2014

1 August, 2014

31 October, 2014

There was no other business.