FEARS have been raised over the future of Kilcreggan’s historic pier as a public campaign against plans to upgrade the village’s ferry infrastructure gathers momentum.
Argyll and Bute Council confirmed this week that it will be seeking feedback on the near-£10 million proposals in early February through a public consultation, with plans to overhaul the terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon to improve the reliability of ferry links with Gourock.
The Kilcreggan would involve the installation of a pontoon berth to the west of the village’s pier, improved passenger access from fixed gangways, a possible breakwater for improved weather shelter, and continued berthing for the Waverley and other harbour users.
The council says the improvements – which could cost £17m, £10m of it at Kilcreggan – will also ensure both terminals can accommodate larger vessels, including the Waverley.
However, a campaign group created this week called ‘Save Kilcreggan Pier’ has already attracted almost 600 members on social media, with concerns raised that the 125-year-old pier is at risk from the “expensive project that will destroy the village”.
Issues over parking in the village and accessibility to the ferry for less able passengers have also been mooted.
Kilcreggan resident Tom Walker, said the project has been “shrouded in secrecy” so far.
He said: “The project has honourable intentions, but is likely to completely change the village beyond all recognition.
“The project risks the original pier which would be left rarely used by the Waverley - Argyll and Bute Council have a history of letting listed structures fall in to disrepair.
“Helensburgh residents must be shocked that our pier will get £10 million, and their pier is in ruin.”
Cove and Kilcreggan community councillor Mark Irvine, pledged his support to the campaign group but stopped short of demanding immediate action just yet.
He said: “I am 100 per cent opposed to any plan that has a negative impact on the village and I will stand shoulder to shoulder in whatever capacity I can to ensure we are properly represented, consulted and included in the ongoing process.
“I will be the first one to tie myself to the railings or storm the Capitol building if it comes to that.
“But I think we need to let the process of consultation move forward until such times as the representatives of Kilcreggan, within the Harbour Group, feel that the solutions do not align with public opinion and the needs of our community.”
READ MORE: Consultation set to launch on Kilcreggan ferry terminal 'upgrade' plans
The scheme is part of a wider project designed to enhance ferry services and infrastructure across Kilcreggan, Gourock and Dunoon and is a collaboration between Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, CalMac Ferries Ltd and Argyll and Bute Council.
Councillor Rory Colville, the council’s policy lead for roads and infrastructure services, said: “This project is highly significant for the long-term development of ferry services across Argyll and Bute but also in terms of the wider economic impact throughout the region.
“The pandemic has highlighted once again the crucial nature of the lifeline services which our ferries provide and, of course, they are also vital in terms of the key part which they play in our tourism industry.
“The upgrading of the terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon will be of huge benefit to our local communities and visitors.
“We hope people will take the opportunity when the consultation launches to give their views on these early stage proposed designs.”
To view the proposed options online see argyll-bute.gov.uk/dunoon-and-kilcreggan-ferry-terminals.
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