PLANS for a new ferry linking Kilcreggan with Gourock have been revealed for the first time in a new report.
But there’s no indication in the report of when a new ship might be in place – only a forecast that delivery is likely to be up to two-and-a-half years after the award of any contract.
In a report to the council’s Bute and Cowal area committee, which met last Tuesday, Kirsty Flanagan, the authority’s executive director for development and infrastructure, gave an update on the Gourock Harbour Infrastructure and Vessels Project, set up to deliver new ships and infrastructure upgrades for the ferry routes linking Gourock with Kilcreggan and Dunoon.
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Responsibility for the Kilcreggan route was transferred from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to Transport Scotland (TS) in April.
The service has been part of the CalMac Ferries network since June, using MV Chieftain, the ship used by previous operator Clyde Marine Services.
The procurement of new ships is the responsibility of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
Ms Flanagan’s report states: “Council plans to re-develop Dunoon, and possibly Kilcreggan, must remain on hold until TS and CMAL can advise of their plans for the new ferry vessel and berthing infrastructure.”
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