This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Gourock-Dunoon ferry route
08/12/2004
The Gourock to Dunoon ferry service will be advertised
for operators to run on a commercial basis with no
operating or timetable restrictions on the vehicle service,
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen announced today.
If a suitable operator is identified, the present
service, provided under subsidy arrangements by Caledonian
MacBrayne, would be replaced.
However, if no suitable operator is found then the
Executive will bring forward proposals to tender a
subsidised service.
The decision was taken in response to representation
from the local community to secure the long term future of
the service.
In the Parliament, Mr Stephen said:
"The Gourock to Dunoon service is of huge concern to the
local community. This new approach involves advertising for
a commercial service and responds directly to the proposals
put forward by local people and interested parties.
"We expect to advertise the opportunity extensively in
the New Year to attract the widest possible interest.
Depending on the outcome, a new operator could appear on
the route within a year or so.
"It is important to emphasise that if a commercial
operator does not come forward all our options for
delivering a subsidised service remain open."