FED-UP Kilcreggan residents have come up with a creative way to highlight the issues surrounding the village's beleaguered ferry service ahead of a debate on the subject in the Scottish Parliament.

Members of the Peninsula Choir performed a specially-written song on the pier in the hope of bringing their plight to the attention of a wider audience.

You can watch the video of the choir's performance  at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSxmf1gYuSw

Local poet, performer and storyteller, Gracey Flair, wrote the song 'Oor Kilcreggan Ferry' in a bid to raise awareness of the issues by coming at it from a creative angle.

Gracey said: "I wrote ‘Oor Kilcreggan Ferry’ lyrics because I was aware that John McMurtrie with MSP Maurice Corry had been working along with Councillor Barbara Morgan, my civil partner, to try to resolve the Kilcreggan Ferry situation over quite a substantial period. It seemed the same problems were occurring and nothing was being done about it.

"John really liked the lyrics and sent them to his mum who added the ‘Song of the Clyde’ melody.

"Although this is a serious issue, we seem to have had a right good giggle every time we sang this new song and friends had said the words were funny because they hit the nail on the head, using some good old west of Scotland patter. The new song seemed to make this complex issue more relatable.

"We hope that this somewhat comedic singalong can make a difference. We think it will."

John McMurtrie said: “Being from Kilcreggan, and a previous regular user of the ferry service I know the benefits and importance of the link between Gourock and Kilcreggan. We knew a different approach was needed as nothing positive seemed to be happening.

"One of the reasons I used the ferry regularly was to attend college and university to study commercial music, and with my mum being musical also it seemed appropriate to turn the problem into a song.

"It has certainly gained attention and hopefully it will apply more pressure to the government before the debate in Parliament on November 30.”

Stephen Adam, the Peninsula Choir master, arranged and scored the music for the choir to perform on Kilcreggan Pier.

Member Eleanor Ironside, one of two soloists, was more than happy to try and raise awareness of the issues.

She said: "It was lovely to join in with something important to the community. It was coming at the issue in a softer way.

"The community pulled together to show their support for the valued service and the recording has already had more than 900 views."

All involved with the song were hoping that it will highlight the frustrations felt by service users ahead of the debate today, Thursday, November 30.

Lomond North Conservative councillor Barbara Morgan said: "I am very supportive and proud of the team effort from my wife, local choir and commuters in bringing this issue to the fore.

"I am also a user of this service so I experience the unpredictability of the ferry.

"This is an issue that needs to be resolved as this poor service is having a significant impact to many and in addition impacts local businesses.

"Many a meeting has been had and petitions signed and this is just one more avenue to vent our frustration about a substandard service."

Cllr Morgan's Conservative colleague, West of Scotland MSP Maurice Corry, who lives in nearby Helensburgh, said: “The problems with the Kilcreggan ferry have been continuous and causing frustration to many people.

"Many politicians at varying levels have been involved asking the same questions yet not getting satisfactory answers or action.

"It was at this point we needed to do something to draw more attention to the situation. My team came back with the suggestion of forming a community project using local talent and resources available.

"The outcome is superb and I mentioned it in Parliament on the day it launched when questioning the Transport Minister. I hope he’s had time to watch it and consider the views of the local community and that action is taken to protect this vital service."

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The responsibility for the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry service lies with SPT, but we are well aware of the recent significant disruption and understand the frustrations of the passengers that rely on this link.

“Clearly this situation is not acceptable, and the song itself underlines the strength of local feeling towards the service.

"The Minister for Transport has personally raised these concerns in meetings with the chair of SPT, Councillor Martin Bartos.

“Transport Scotland and SPT are working constructively together towards a mutual agreement on the formal terms of a transfer of responsibility.

"This is a complex process given the amount of information being considered, which includes service levels, finances and infrastructure.”