The £5.4m linkspan in Dunoon looks set to be removed without ever being used by vehicles as intended, new documents released by Argyll and Bute Council reveal.
And new vessels for the route – now estimated to cost £9.5m each, twice the figure quoted two years ago – will not be brought in until 2025, rather than 2024 as planned.
The council has today launched a consultation on the redesign of Dunoon ferry terminal, and says it will consult on ‘Kilcreggan Harbour’ in the next few weeks.
£9.3m plans for a new pontoon and breakwater in Kilcreggan sparked an outcry earlier this year and the council it would look at adapting the village’s Victorian pier instead, delaying the consultation until after May’s elections.
Dunoon residents and businesses have launched a petition in a bid to keep the linkspan, but today the council issued a statement saying new infrastructure was needed for the ferries planned by Transport Scotland.
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The preferred design – ‘option 1d’ – will see the linkspan removed and a pontoon berth installed with access via a gangway (including breakwater extension to provide improved shelter at the berth).
There is a long gangway onto a pontoon, which the council says improves access for passengers and navigational safety for the ferry.
An online consultation on the redesign is now open and available on the council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/dunoon-ferry-terminal
Asked about the reasons for the Dunoon ferry delay, and when the new Kilcreggan ferry was now due, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Ministers are very clear about the importance of supporting ferry services, including those services that link Gourock, Dunoon and Kilcreggan.
“Work is well underway to develop the vessel and port design options and the associated business case work. Indicative delivery dates provided as part of project updates are subject to completion and approval of all relevant project stages, as well as availability of funding.
“This work is linked to the wider Islands Connectivity Plan, which will be published for consultation later this year and will set out a long-term investment programme for vessels and ports across our ferry networks.”
The council’s policy lead for roads and transport Andrew Kain said: “These improvements will have a significant impact on our local communities, and we have consulted with key groups and organisations at various stages throughout the project to ensure their views are represented.
“It is now time for everyone else to let us know their thoughts on the preferred option.”
We want proper car ferry