The possible separation of the Rothesay route – along with those to Craignure on Mull, Cumbrae and Brodick – from the tender for the rest of the west coast network is one of several ideas contained in the Scottish Ferries Review, the focus of a public meeting at the Pavilion this week.
The meeting was chaired by Judith Ainsley of the Scottish Government's ferries division, and Argyll and Bute councillors Len Scoullar and Isobel Strong were also in attendance.
Among the key points the review aims to tackle are the lack of consistency in the funding of services, funding of vessels, funding of the harbour infrastructure, responsibility for delivery, the routes and level of service, the tendering of services and provision of vessels.
The Wemyss Bay-Rothesay crossing is one of four routes which carry more than half a million passengers a year, along with the Ardrossan-Brodick, Largs-Cumbrae and Oban-Craignure services.
Tendering each of those services separately from the rest of the network currently operated by CalMac could result in different companies operating those routes – though this is a move which critics have long regarded as 'cherry-picking', leaving the public purse to shoulder the burden of other routes which lose much more money.
Challenges facing the provision of ferry services include the fact that there is less money available to support ferries, an
ageing fleet with a need for investment, an ageing harbour infrastructure which requires investment, escalating fuel and crew costs, and increasing subsidy levels.
A household survey undertaken earlier this year as part of the review, which found that 74 per cent of ferry users were satisfied with the current service, was the focus of some animated debate: Caroline Shaw, a regular commuter, asked when the survey had taken place, who had responded and how many were 'quite satisfied' as opposed to 'highly satisfied'.
Ms Ainsley was unable to provide the breakdown requested, and apologised for having left the relevant figures at her office.
Mrs Shaw asked how many of those present had been approached in the household survey; five members of the public raised their hand, but Ms Ainsley said it was unlikely everyone present would have been contacted in what was, after all, a random survey.
George McKenzie asked why the Scottish Government have spent hundreds of millions on non-lifeline services, like the Skye Bridge, which requires no toll, whereas islanders have to pay. "Why aren't our
services funded the same way?" he asked.
Ms Ainsley explained that the cost of building a fixed link would be huge, and that the funds simply aren't there.
Councillor Scoullar said it felt as if the Scottish Government only planned to run a fair service when money was available – though Ms Ainsley said that in the government's eyes the needs of communities come before the cost of the service.
Most of those present said sailing times were still inadequate, and the vast majority said the cost of fares was a concern.
Some added that integration with other public transport was still an issue, although this concern was not shared by all – some felt ferry sailings should not be altered to fit in with train users.
Initial analysis of Bute's needs has apparently suggested that a slightly longer crossing with no change to the days of service could be an option – though this earned a mixed response from those in attendance.
One commuter said the journey was long enough, and that another five or ten minutes would not be appropriate.
The complete consultation document on the Scottish Ferries Review, is available on the website at
www.tinyurl.com/scottishferriesreview - alternatively, if you have any comments or enquiries you wish to add, telephone Colin Grieve on 0131 244 1539 or write to Scottish Ferries Review Consultation, Ferries Division, 2nd Floor North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.
