Opinion – Kilcreggan an afterthought in project that could change the heart of the village

October 11, 2020 Transport

Kilcreggan could hardly be more of an afterthought in the reports and records of meetings which have been released following a Freedom of Information request – but the project could change the centre of the village dramatically.

That’s natural to an extent, since the steering group was formed while SPT was still responsible for the village’s ferry service, but it would be nice if the name of the steering group changed to reflect this.

The handover to CalMac finally happened in June this year, but it had been known for many months beforehand that this would happen, so it’s a shame that Transport Scotland’s requirements still say: “The works shall be undertaken such that there is no disruption to the current ferry services at Dunoon or Gourock.”

Reports frequently refer to the ‘Gourock Dunoon passenger survey‘ but Kilcreggan ferry users have not been asked their views at all – this is crucial, since the same boats will serve both routes.

The new ferries will be designed for either a linkspan or pontoons, so the future of Kilcreggan’s historic pier looks uncertain.

At times the lack of references to Kilcreggan is unwittingly ironic, as when a person with redacted name states: “As I have said previously, we all have a duty to the Cowal and Gourock communities to ensure accurate and consistent information is shared with regards to this project.”

Signs of a duty to the Rosneath Peninsula are less evident.

Aerial views show only Gourock and Dunoon, and these are the only two places mentioned for mooring bollards and fenders.

Last month it was revealed here that local councillors only noted an update on this report, whereas those in Dunoon actually voted on it and were given a presentation by CMAL.

All our elected local politicians need to act on this matter now to ensure that the interests of the Rosneath Peninsula are protected.

And while they’re at it, maybe they could even suggest that some of what looks like a budget of over £20m is spent reopening Helensburgh’s pier, so that it can once again be used by ferries and the Waverley.