Dumbarton constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s intention to proceed with the transfer of the Kilcreggan – Gourock ferry service, a commitment she secured over two years ago. She furthered welcomed the efforts of Transport Scotland, working together with SPT and, current Kilcreggan Ferry operator, Clyde Marine to transfer the service to secure its long term future.

The Kilcreggan Ferry service had been fraught with difficulties under a previous contractor who failed to ensure that the service was reliable and sustainable for local people. The service was transferred to Clyde Marine last year and passengers have noticed a positive difference.

The MSP spearheaded the campaign and worked hard alongside local people, to secure the long term future for the service, calling for it to be taken into Scottish Government control to put it in line with other ferry services across Scotland. Following recent meetings with the Minister with responsibility for ferries, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Jackie is delighted that a process is now in hand between Transport Scotland, SPT and the current operator to transfer the service.

Jackie said:

“I have maintained an active interest in the Kilcreggan Ferry since we all campaigned so hard to secure its future and recently met with the Minister responsible for ferries, Paul Wheelhouse, to discuss the service. It has now reached the point where Transport Scotland is working with SPT and Clyde Marine to transfer the service and secure its long term future for our local community.

“I am grateful to Hamish Munro and his crew at Clyde Marine for providing us with such an improved and reliable service and for their ongoing help in the next few months. They are true heroes in our local community. And I don’t say this often, but I want to praise SPT, Transport Scotland and the Minister in responding so positively to the transfer.

“This is good news for the people in our local community who rely on this lifeline ferry service.”