Argyll and Bute Council is considering options to secure the future of Craignure ferry terminal and anyone interested, whether a Mull resident, business or visitor, is being encouraged to give their thoughts through a consultation.
Plans being developed will cover not just the long-term future of the pier, but also what needs to be done now to make sure it can continue to operate in the medium term.
The pier is the island terminus for the Oban – Craignure ferry service, and the busiest ferry route serving the communities of Mull and Iona. The ferry is operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd.
The council-owned terminal includes:
- the main pier structure providing two berths, of which the main (north) berth has a linkspan and passenger access system (PAS);
- a vehicle marshalling area;
- a terminal building; and
- a bus marshalling area.
The pier was built in the mid 60s and is now coming to the end of its useful operating life. Over time, passenger and vehicle numbers using the terminal have increased. This means the landside arrangements, for example passenger access, vehicle and bus marshalling, need to be re-assesed.
Ways to improve reliable seven-day overnight berthing at the pier also need to be considered, as does the likelihood that larger ferries will be deployed onto the route in the future.
Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Rory Colville, said: “We are already working on long-term plans for Craignure terminal and have four options to consider. There are also options for how we can keep the pier operating in the medium term.
“There are a couple of presentations on our website which set out both the long and medium-term options. We would then like you to answer a few questions that will allow us to gauge feedback on both.”