Talks over the possible transfer of responsibility for the Kilcreggan to Gourock ferry service have been described as ‘constructive’ by both sides.
The current ferry contract, awarded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is due to expire next April, and it is thought that SPT officials have finally listened to long-running calls by local politicians for the service to be transferred to Transport Scotland, which is responsible for the vast majority of ferries nationally.
An SPT spokesperson said today: “SPT, Transport Scotland and representatives of both Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils met to discuss the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service to determine what options might exist in respect of its future delivery.
“Although no decisions were taken, all parties agreed that the meeting was constructive and provided a basis for further discussions.”
Before the meeting, SPT had highlighted that the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service, currently run by Argyll Ferries and subsidised by Transport Scotland, was also due for a new tendering exercise.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Transport Scotland remains willing to consider a possible transfer of responsibility of the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service and our officials met with SPT officials earlier this week to discuss the future of the ferry service.
“A constructive meeting was held and both parties agreed to further dialogue on this issue in the near future.”
The time available for further dialogue would appear to be limited; if SPT follows the same timescale as five years ago, when the contract was controversially awarded to Clydelink, an invitation to tender for the Kilcreggan service might be advertised as early as next month.
For background on the Kilcreggan and Dunoon ferry services, click here.
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