Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Councillor Robin Currie

Ruaridh Wilson, West Coast Motors

Mairi Paterson, Explore Campbeltown

The minute of the previous meeting held on 9 February 2017 was approved as an accurate record. 

Matters Arising:-

Item 5 – Proposed change from Ardrossan to Troon for Arran Ferry – Implications for Campbeltown Sailings

The Area Operations Manager advised that Ardrossan had been approved to continue as main port for Arran, which will lead to likely infrastructure investment.

Item 6 – Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan

Discussion took place on the possibility of a new ferry on the Arran route and whether this would mean the vessel, Isle of Arran, would be committed to the Campbeltown route.  The Area Operations Manager advised that arrangements had not yet been confirmed.  Further discussion was had in respect of the Lochranza to Claonaig route with members of the committee suggesting that consideration should be given as to how to encourage visitors using the route to turn south into Kintyre rather than to Islay, Tarbert or Oban. 

Discussion facilitated by Area Operations Manager, Calmac

The Committee gave consideration to an update from the Area Operations Manager, who advised that it is unlikely changes will be made to the timetable for 2018 as the new vessel would not be in use before the 2019 timetable.  Mr Richmond suggested it would be beneficial for the Committee to submit a view to the consultation to complement that which had been submitted in the previous consultation. 

The Committee discussed possible items for inclusion in a submission for the 2018 timetable consultation and determined to submit a response in line with that submitted previously to demonstrate the community’s consistent view that a sailing into Campbeltown on Saturdays would be beneficial; a sailing on Mondays would be beneficial; additional sailings to support attendance at local festivals would boost inclusion and additional sailings around Easter would boost tourism. 

Outcome:

The Committee requested that the Area Committee Manager draft a response to the consultation, and send to the Chair for agreement before submission.

Discussion facilitated by Area Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Committee gave consideration to an update from the Area Committee Manager, who reminded them that administrative support from the Council’s Governance and Law Service would not continue beyond one further meeting.  Councillors Horn and Armour suggested that support for one further meeting would allow time for the Council to confirm its representatives on the Committee. 

Outcome:-

The Area Committee Manager agreed that administrative support would be provided for one further meeting to allow for handover arrangements to be finalised. 

·         Councillor Armour advised that two representatives should be identified to attend the Clyde Ferry Users’ Group.  Cllr Armour further advised that he would continue as a representative until such time as representatives are determined by the Committee.

·         The Area Operations Manager provided copies of the Calmac Reliability and Punctuality Report for the period 1 April 2017 to 21 May 2017,and highlighted success shown in the report as compared to the equivalent period in the previous year, including that 28 sailings had been completed in the period this year compared to 12 in the previous year.

The Chair thanked all for attending and suggested that a date for the next meeting be agreed once a decision in relation to the elected member representatives had been taken.