CALMAC is to adjust its current single-vessel Dunoon ferry timetable by 30 minutes in a bid to improve connections with bus services serving Toward, Ardentinny and Strachur.
The change follows concerns that the existing timetable does not provide good onward connections with the 489 service for Toward and Ardentinny, or the 484, 486 and 478 services serving Strachur.
After consultation with South Cowal, Strachur and Ardentinny Community Councils, CalMac has agreed to alter the current schedule.
From Monday, August 31, morning departures from Dunoon will run at 15 minutes to the hour from 7.45am until 1.45pm, with corresponding adjustments to afternoon sailings.
The change is intended to improve integration between ferry and bus services, while ScotRail connections are not expected to be affected.
The timetable adjustment comes as pressure continues over the longer-term future of the Dunoon-Gourock passenger ferry service.
Dunoon Community Council, working with the Cowal Transport Forum, has also secured a meeting in early October with senior political and transport representatives to discuss the project to replace the Ali Cat and Argyll Flyer.
Those expected to attend include Jenni Minto MSP, Stuart McMillan MSP, Chris Wilcock, Director of Ferries and Ports at Transport Scotland, and Daniel Hampsey, chair of the Cowal Transport Forum.
Other representatives from Cowal community councils are also expected to take part.
The meeting will focus on the current position of the replacement vessel project and the route map towards bringing new vessels into service.
The ageing Ali Cat and Argyll Flyer have been a long-running issue for passengers using the Dunoon-Gourock route, with local representatives continuing to press for clarity over future provision.
The October meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for Cowal representatives to seek firm answers on progress, timescales and what steps remain before replacement vessels can enter service.
