Petition launched for Campbeltown-Ardrossan ferry service
It has been started by two Argyll and Bute Councillors
A petition has been launched for a “lifeline” ferry linking Campbeltown with North Ayrshire.
Argyll and Bute Councillors Donald Kelly and Douglas Philand have called for the Scottish Government to provide a year-round service to improve both local economies and create a more reliable transport linke.
A seasonal ferry service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan used to be provided by CalMac Ferries at weekends between April and September since 2013.
It was operated by MV Isle of Arran, which is used for the rest of the week during summer as the second vessel on the Ardrossan-Brodick route, and in the winter to cover for the maintenance of other ships.
However, the service did not operate at all in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Scotland has said that it is “not possible at the current time” to make the service available all year round as the current vessel is used to cover winter maintenance requirements across the Clyde and Hebrides service network.
It also says that while a new ferry, MV Glen Sannox is planned to be delivered for the Arran route in 2022 – five years after its hull was launched – a year-round Campbeltown ferry service would have to be subject to a “robust” business case and to funding being secured.
The new petition has been prompted by repeated closures of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
The two councillors said in a statement with their petition: “This petition is necessary due to the closure of the A83 and the fact the relief road (the Old Military Road) has also been closed nearly every day since November 2020.
“This is resulting in all traffic entering Argyll via this route to be diverted, causing additional expenses and inconvenience to businesses and members of the public.
“This situation is not sustainable and we feel that given the ongoing problems at the Rest and Be Thankful and the projected timeframe of 10 years before a permanent solution will be implemented, the Scottish Government must act as a matter of urgency.
“The possibility of commissioning an all year-round lifeline ferry service from Campbeltown to Ardrossan should be explored. This service would benefit everyone in Argyll and Bute.
“Whilst recognising that the Scottish Government has at long last agreed to implement a permanent solution to the problem, the businesses and constituents of Argyll and Bute cannot suffer the continuous cost, uncertainty and upheaval for a further decade.
“We cannot go on for the next 10 years hoping and praying that the landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful will stop.
“If implemented, this ferry service would support businesses from within and outwith Argyll and Bute and help to sustain our fragile economy.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We fully understand the importance of good transport connectivity in supporting sustainable island and remote communities and CalMac and Transport Scotland officials have discussed the request to extend the Campbeltown service to a year-round service in detail with the local ferry committee.
“As the vessel used to deliver the current service is used to cover the annual maintenance across the network, this request is not possible at the current time.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to securing the two new ferries currently under construction, with the shipyard planning delivery of MV Glen Sannox in 2022.
“The new vessel may provide the opportunity to consider a year-round Campbeltown service, but this would have to be subject to a robust business case and funding.”