COMMUNITY representatives have warned that urgent action is needed to replace the vessels serving the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route, following a meeting with Transport Scotland.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, October 7, brought together representatives from local community councils, MSPs and Transport Scotland to discuss progress towards new vessels for the route.
However, despite what was described as a useful opportunity to put concerns directly to Transport Scotland, no firm date was given for when replacement vessels will be operational.
Transport Scotland confirmed that three options are currently being considered – a monohull, catamaran or hydrofoil – with CMAL tasked with developing a timetable covering the three options. A further meeting involving Transport Scotland, CMAL and CalMac is planned for November, with a wider follow-up meeting scheduled for December.
The estimated cost of a new vessel has also risen significantly, from an original estimate of around £6 million per vessel to approximately £14 million, regardless of whether a monohull, catamaran or hydrofoil is selected. Additional investment would also be required at both the Gourock and Dunoon terminals.
David Clough, transport lead at Dunoon Community Council, said the lack of tangible progress was disappointing but believed the meeting could represent a step in the right direction.
He said: “It was not surprising that we came away from the meeting with no real progress, but it’s a positive step in the right direction and hopefully by December after the follow up meeting there may be something more tangible to report.”
Mr Clough said community representatives had been involved in extensive work over the past five years, but that this had yet to translate into delivery.
He said: “Over the last five year period the working group has undertaken a considerable amount of investigative, technical, consultation and business case work, but with little tangible evidence of delivery.
“Phrases such as ‘ongoing’, ‘to be progressed’, ‘being developed’ and ‘further discussion required’ appear repeatedly.”
He said there was now a need to maintain pressure on those responsible for delivering new vessels which he believes are already significantly overdue thanks to a ‘lack of urgency’ from those responsible.
Reliability was another major theme throughout Wednesday’s meeting, with community representatives highlighting the impact ferry disruption has on healthcare, employment, education, tourism and the wider local economy.
The meeting also heard concerns that unreliable ferry services are contributing to increased car use, undermining efforts to reduce car dependency and meet net-zero objectives.
Mr Clough said restoring confidence in the service must be a priority.
He added: “The service lacks reliability and predictability, both of which are essential – how they are going to be restored, and when are the key questions.”
One potential route discussed was the use of hydrofoil vessels, which could offer shorter crossing times and potentially create additional service opportunities, including connections to Kilcreggan.
However, Transport Scotland is awaiting the results of hydrofoil vessels operating in Orkney before reaching a position on the option. Those attending expressed concern that the decision-making process is taking too long.
The possibility of using Ferguson Marine to build replacement vessels was also raised by Mr Clough during the meeting. He questioned whether, should a monohull or catamaran be selected, the vessels could be directly awarded to the Port Glasgow-based shipbuilder.
Despite the discussions, several key questions remain unanswered.
No firm date has been given for replacement vessels to enter service, while no decision has been made on the type of vessel, procurement route or construction location. A business case is also still required before a final decision can be made.
Mr Clough said the issue will now be brought before Dunoon Community Council.
“This matter will be discussed at the next Dunoon Community Council meeting which takes place on Monday 12th October in the Argyll suite at Queens Hall, 7.00pm to which members of the general public are always invited to attend.”
The meeting notes show to this newspaper state that the overriding concern among the communities using the route is the continuing uncertainty over the timescale for replacing the existing vessels, with representatives warning that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.
