A community vision for the future of Kilcreggan has been welcomed by a leading councillor.
Andrew Kain, who lives on Mull, was among councillors and officials who visited the village in June (below) amid controversy Argyll and Bute Council’s £9.6m plan for a huge new breakwater and pontoon in the village.
As the council’s policy lead for roads and transport he wrote a report which will be discussed by the council in Lochgilphead on Thursday saying that there had been confusion over the council’s role and intentions.
He said the council’s objective had always been to improve the reliability and resilience of the ferry between Kilcreggan and Gourock.
Latest figures provided by CalMac via a Freedom of Information request show that 5.5% of sailings were cancelled due to weather or tides in the three years until May 2023.
“After a frank and constructive discussion I believe we have an opportunity to more fully engage with the community,” he added.
“The community have done considerable work in outlining an holistic vision on how to improve the attraction, facilities and economic future of Kilcreggan.
“Part of this vision is reliable ferry services that will better enable developments in tourism and improved access for locals.
“I am confident, once it is clear on vessel design that, working with the community the service can deliver a solution that is sympathetic to community vision with our objectives aligned.
“A solution that will enable berthing in more difficult conditions provide greater resilience, contribute to economic benefit and enhance local communications.”
It is understood that in the June meeting the councillors were shown a design (below) featuring a sandy beach, new stone quay, tidal swimming pool and sheltered housing in Kilcreggan, which were made public at an event by the ‘Our Community’ project three months later.
Residents at that meeting were told to be positive about the proposals and invited to see. a trained counsellor outside if they were unhappy.
The result the council’s consultation into its preferred option of a breakwater and pontoon have still not been made public, although the survey closed eight months ago.
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