ARGYLL and Bute Council is “looking forward to hearing more” about the idea of restoring the ferry link between Helensburgh and Gourock.
A report by Transport Scotland on its second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) last week revealed that a return for the service, which was axed almost a decade ago, is one of a number of options being considered by the government agency.
A small passenger service across the Firth of Clyde is being considered by the Scottish Government, along with a potential railway station near Faslane serving HM Naval Base Clyde.
The report also mentions a possible enhancement of the Dunoon to Gourock ferry service, including increased capacity and improved vessels, reliability and resistance.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We welcome all ideas to improve connections between Argyll and Bute and the central belt.
“As yet we’ve had no discussions about a new ferry service, but look forward to hearing more.”
It is not clear whether the plans for a Helensburgh ferry service may have any effect on work to restore the town’s pier, which has been closed to marine traffic since October 2018.
Other options raised by the Transport Scotland report include expanding the rail network into rural parts of Argyll and Bute. Areas like Dunoon, Campbeltown and Lochgilphead are not currently served by a railway station.
The Campbeltown to Ardrossan ferry is also the subject of an option, which again would see enhancements to the existing service.
The A83 road is also the subject of several options, including landslide mitigation measures and longer laybys to allow HGVs to pull in.
An introduction as part of the report on the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) said: “The role of STPR2 Phase 1 is to define the short-term transport investment priorities for Scottish Ministers in the next few years, in the face of great uncertainty.
“With the challenges faced by society as we tackle the pandemic, it is vitally important to consider transport investments around the overall vision set out in the NTS21 to ensure that we continue, at pace, towards the delivery of a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors.”
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