MSP Jackie Baillie has urged Argyll and Bute Council to refurbish Helensburgh pier as part of the overall regeneration of the town centre.
The pier was closed to mariners last year and the council estimates that repairs could cost almost £1m and may not be completed in time for the Waverley paddle steamer’s 2020 sailings.
The Dumbarton constituency MSP submitted a parliamentary question last month, asking the Scottish Government to confirm whether funding allocated for town centre regeneration can be used for the repair and refurbishment of a pier, where it is integral to the economic viability of the town.
In response, Derek Mackay, the Scottish Government’s finance spokesperson confirmed: “The Town Centre Fund is a ring-fenced capital fund for local authorities.”
He added: “It is for local authorities to allocate funding, and supporting guidance indicates that it is expected that they make investment decisions in the context of national and local commitments to town centres… in this context, in some towns this could therefore include the repair or refurbishment of a pier.”
Afterwards Ms Baillie said: “This is welcome news for the people of Helensburgh.
Helensburgh pier is not only iconic but vitally important for the local economy.
“It was disappointing enough that the pier was in such a bad state that the Waverley would have been unable to stop in the town this year if its summer timetable had gone ahead.
“But now the council has said that it may not even be ready for next year.
“This will have a huge impact on tourism locally which will affect local businesses and the economy.
“I hope that the council will now look at using the Town Centre Fund to help with repairs to the pier so that it is fit for next season.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We are as keen as everyone else to have the Waverley calling at Helensburgh again.
“The full structural analysis of the pier currently being undertaken needs to be completed before a decision can be taken on how to proceed. Early findings indicate that major work will be required before the pier can be made available for berthing.
:Works of this nature on any structure in the water are complex and it may not be practically possible to complete repairs in time for the 2020 season.”
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