A FERRY service linking Helensburgh and Gourock, which was axed almost a decade ago, could be restored under plans being considered by the Scottish Government.
Reports published this week by Transport Scotland reveal that a small passenger service across the Firth of Clyde is among several options put forward to increase connectivity in the area.
The Helensburgh leg of the Kilcreggan to Gourock ferry service, which had connected the two towns for more than 30 years, was scrapped in 2012 amid claims that it was "unviable".
It is not yet clear what impact, if any, these suggestions may have on the future of Helensburgh pier, which remains in a state of disrepair having been closed to all marine traffic in 2018.
Last October the local group set up to try to save and restore the C-listed structure announced its disbandment, branding further efforts "futile".
A new railway station serving Faslane naval base - previously mooted by Argyll and Bute Council, and reported in the Advertiser here - is also under consideration as part of the agency's second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), which will inform the government’s transport investment programme over the next 20 years.
Other suggestions which have been "sifted in for further consideration" include the improvement of regional and local walking and cycling routes between Helensburgh, Cardross, Dumbarton and the wider network, as well as those on the Rosneath peninsula.
Increased capacity for rail services operating between Helensburgh Central and Craigendoran is also noted, while elsewhere in Argyll and Bute there is the potential for the rail network to be expanded into rural parts of the region, the promotion of Oban as an 'integrated transport hub', and the introduction of a sleeper service between Oban and London.
A new vessel for the Kilcreggan ferry is also proposed as part of a £580 million investment in ferries and ports over the next five years.
It was announced last month that CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited) has awarded a contract for the concept design of new vessels to serve the Gourock-Dunoon and Gourock-Kilcreggan crossings.
READ MORE: Design contract awarded to BMT for new Kilcreggan ferry
Among the immediate priorities for Argyll and Bute, as listed in the STPR2 documents, is improved resilience on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
As one of only two strategic trunk roads connecting the region with the central belt (via the A82), the route is described as a "vital artery" but it has been beset by closures caused by landslides.
Eleven alternative routes were put out for public consultation late last year, with Transport Scotland expected to announce its preferred long-term solution this spring.
A report on the A83 situation states: "Accidents or incidents occurring on any part of the A83 means that for periods of time there is no continuous strategic road in the region, connecting it to the rest of the country.
"With a daily traffic flow of approximately 4,500, at the Rest and Be Thankful, of which approximately 10 per cent are heavy goods vehicles, the lack of suitable alterative travel options and/or competitive routes when there is disruption on the transport network, can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and visitors when it occurs.
READ MORE: New A83 route: Council backs adjacent road as 'preferred option'
"Based on a scenario that used the average number of closures per year since 2007, the additional annual cost to the local economy, within Argyll and Bute, from landslides at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is estimated to be £286,300 (in 2010 prices).
"If these additional costs are assumed to be a direct loss of income to the local area, the number of jobs which would be supported by this 'lost' income is calculated using GVA per employee, which under the assessed scenario would result in 12 jobs lost in the A83 study area.
"Since this study in 2013, there has been further closures, and this number could therefore now be higher.
"The A83 route is known to carry goods of significant value to both the regional and national economy and is a key transport corridor for the region. Anecdotal evidence suggests closures and restrictions costs the local economy £50,000-£60,000 per day and impacts on business investment within the region and, subsequently, the region’s job market."
The report also highlights the impact of road closures at the Rest on the fishing industry, particularly with regards to the transport of salmon, as well as whisky and timber, and says that the route is "critical" for the movement of goods and people through Argyll.
To view the full recommendations under phase one of the STPR2, click here or here.
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