CHANGES to the Dunoon to Gourock ferry timetable are hoped to be implemented by the middle of October, a councillor has said.
It was announced in March that three return sailings would be cut from the Calmac route at the recommendation of Scottish Government connectivity minister Jim Fairlie.
Councillor Daniel Hampsey (Conservative, Dunoon) told a meeting of councillors and community figures that consultation on which sailings should be removed is continuing.
He also stated that the community was ‘very much in favour’ of moving the 2.15pm sailing to 2.30pm as part of the changes.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum on Monday, August 11.
Councillor Hampsey said: “This (the consultation) initially involved looking at different options which would make the vessels more reliable.
“However, it became evident that it would be more appropriate to stick to the ministers recommendation, so work has been ongoing on that.
“One sailing has been cancelled for some time, so we are hoping to have that in place for the start of the winter timetable on Sunday, October 19.
“I am aware of constituents who have been impacted by the single vessel timetable.
“It is really disappointing that the second vessel has been out of use for so long.”
“A survey went out to Dunoon Community Council on moving the 2.15pm sailing to 2.30pm, which would align things more sensibly.
“I gather that the community is very much in favour of that change.”
Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) then asked: “I was recently chatting to friends who asked if, once the ferries do not run any more, there will be no replacement bust for that service.
“Can you please clarify that?”
Councillor Hampsey responded: “My understanding is that there will not be.
“One thing that has been highlighted is that the rationale behind the decision is to make the services more efficient.
“To what extent removing three sailings does that remains questionable, but putting in buses would not add any efficiency.”
