Chamber and committees

The Gourock Dunoon Ferry Service tender was cancelled today. This decision follows careful consideration of Audit Scotland’s Report on Transport Scotland’s Ferry Services, published on 19 October 2017, which recommended that Transport Scotland should consider the value for money of providing financial support for the route. The decision also reflects recent policy developments aimed at the increased use of public transport, the promotion of active travel and a reduction in vehicle emissions.

Responsibility for the future provision of the ferry service will now transfer to CalMac Ferries Limited with effect from 21 January 2019, when the current contract with Argyll Ferries Limited comes to an end. Thereafter, CalMac will provide a passenger-only service under the terms of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract. This will not include the transport of vehicles, in line with the State aid rules and the European Commission’s Decision of 28 October 2009 on Subsidies to CalMac and NorthLink for maritime transport services in Scotland.

Following the transfer of responsibility to CalMac, further consideration will be given to future vessel and service requirements. Consideration will also be given to improved harbour-side facilities for passengers in future. We will also work with Argyll and Bute Council and Inverclyde Council to identify opportunities to develop the ferry service for active travel purposes, to encourage more foot and cycle traffic to the benefit of the local areas. Discussions will also be held with key stakeholders on the introduction of electric vehicle hubs at both ferry terminals. All this will ensure that the ferry service is best placed to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable passenger service into the future.

I will write to key stakeholders later today explaining the reasons for this decision and our plans for the future provision of a passenger-only ferry service on the town-centre harbour route.