THERE is no straightforward solution to provide a later or Sunday service on the Kilcreggan ferry, a report has said.
A community needs assessment for the ferry services linking Gourock with Kilcreggan and Dunoon was published in September.
The findings noted a “marginal under-provision” in the number of sailing days and a “marginal over-provision” in the number of sailings per day.
After further engagement by Transport Scotland, CMAL and Argyll and Bute Council, changes were made to the Gourock-Dunoon timetable in winter.
Officials are now assessing the options to improve the service between Gourock and Kilcreggan, but a warning has been issued that there is no simple response.
Currently the final sailings of the day leave Gourock at 6.18pm and Kilcreggan at 6.36pm, Monday to Saturday. There is no Sunday service.
The details feature in a report which went before the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group at its meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The initial focus of follow-up work was on addressing identified over-provision on the Gourock-Dunoon service. This was concluded with changes to the timetable introduced from winter 2025/26.
“We are now returning to assess the options to deliver enhancements to the Gourock-Kilcreggan service, either a later sailing and/or a Sunday sailing, noting that none of these have a straightforward solution as the MV Chieftain is currently fully deployed within the limits of her crew working hours.
“This will focus on what could be done currently, ahead of delivery of a replacement vessel and any associated port works, and will be undertaken as part of the twice-yearly review of CalMac timetables.
“In terms of moving forward with replacement vessels and port works, approvals from Transport Scotland’s investment decision board and ministers will be required following completion of the outline business case (OBC). This will be subject to budget considerations and investment priorities across the transport network.
“The Gourock/Dunoon/Kilcreggan programme working group (CalMac, CMAL, Transport Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council) is actioning efforts to complete the OBC later this year and future delivery timescales will be dependent on the approvals process, available budgets and procurement processes for the preferred solution.”
