A PUBLIC consultation on a near-£10 million project to upgrade Kilcreggan's ferry terminal is set to launch this month - while a campaign against the plans has already attracted hundreds of supporters.
Argyll and Bute Council says it will be seeking feedback on the proposals in early February, with plans to overhaul the terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon and improve the reliability of the Gourock-Dunoon and Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry services.
The council says that the infrastructure improvements will also ensure that both terminals can accommodate larger vessels, including the Waverley.
The proposed preferred option for Kilcreggan would involve the installation of a pontoon berth to the west of the village's historic pier, improved passenger access from fixed gangways, a possible breakwater for improved weather shelter, and continued berthing for the Waverley and other harbour users.
A campaign group called 'Save Kilcreggan Pier', created this week, has already attracted almost 400 members, with concerns raised that the 125-year-old pier is at risk from the "expensive project that will destroy the village".
The scheme is part of a wider project designed to enhance ferry services and infrastructure across Kilcreggan, Gourock and Dunoon and is a collaboration between Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, CalMac Ferries Ltd and Argyll and Bute Council.
Councillor Rory Colville, policy lead for roads and infrastructure services, said: “This project is highly significant for the long-term development of ferry services across Argyll and Bute but also in terms of the wider economic impact throughout the region.
"The pandemic has highlighted once again the crucial nature of the lifeline services which our ferries provide and, of course, they are also vital in terms of the key part which they play in our tourism industry.
“The upgrading of the terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon will be of huge benefit to our local communities and visitors.
"We hope people will take the opportunity when the consultation launches to give their views on these early stage proposed designs.”
To view the proposed options on the council's website, visit argyll-bute.gov.uk/dunoon-and-kilcreggan-ferry-terminals.
We'll have more on this story in this week's Advertiser - out on Thursday, February 3
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