CalMac Ferry Service Reduction Survey

Following the recent decision by Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, CalMac have been instructed to remove 3 return sailings per day between Gourock / Dunoon with effect from the start of the winter timetable.

They have asked Dunoon Community Council (DCC) for their views on which sailings should be cancelled, and the purpose of this survey is to seek the views of residents. DCC have advised all other Community Councils (CC) in Cowal of this survey, and may choose to run their own. DCC welcomes everyone opinion but will ask which area you live in so that we can report our residents’ views only to CalMac – we will pass onto the relevant CC any other views received.

Note that this is not a satisfaction survey, nor an opportunity to complain about the service. It’s a survey to assist CalMac in reaching a decision that has been forced upon them.

CalMac have made an initial suggestion, so we need to know if you are in favour of that suggestion, or have a preference for an alternative, and what that would be.

Background

• Following a review of outputs from Transport Scotland’s Community Needs Assessment, a decision was taken by Scottish Ministers to reduce the service by three return sailings per day

• One return sailing is already cancelled on the route, therefore two additional return sailings will be required to be identified in addition to this

• Scottish Ministers have confirmed that timetable changes;

• should not result in any reduction in crew or shore staff;

• that the length of the operating day should be maintained;

• meets local needs whilst accounting for fewer sailings

Assumptions

• Current cancellations will remain cancelled as part of this review;

• Monday to Saturday

• Departing Gourock 10:15;

• Departing Dunoon at 10:45

• A further two return sailings per day, to be agreed, will be cancelled.

• Out with this review, and in addition to the above noted changes, the following sailings on Tuesday evenings will also be cancelled, to allow vessels to safely overnight berth within crew hours of rest

• Departing Gourock 22:40;

• Departing Dunoon at 23:10

• Timings of sailings not being cancelled to remain as now, so as to align with Community consultation carried out in October 2024, maximising train connections for the needs of the community

Current Timetable

• Current timetable shown here current cancellations shown in red and orange

• Proposed additional cancellations shown in yellow

• No changes to be made to Sunday timetable

• All other sailings and timings to remain as per current timetable to ensure continuity of existing connections.

for more information regarding this survey or any other transport related issues, please contact the author of this survey via email at transport@dunooncommunitycouncil.co.uk