Long term plans to cut a Lismore ferry

A NEW Islay ferry, cutting Lismore’s ferries from two to one and an extension to Craignure Pier are part of a new ferries plan debated by councillors on Tuesday.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Argyll Islands Strategic Group met to discuss Transport Scotland’s Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan (VRDP), published last month.

The plan states that, while the Islay route was the busiest for freight, it had ‘limited opportunities for expansion’. So Caledonian Maritime Assets plans to extend its ports at Kennacraig and Port Ellen for ‘larger vessels to berth alongside’.

The plans also recommend that CalMac’s next major vessel be allocated to the Islay service to replace the MV Hebridean Isles.

CalMac also plans to deploy the MV Hebrides as the primary summer-season vessel on the Oban to Craignure route, with the MV Isle of Mull or MV Isle of Arran as the secondary vessel.

However, ‘the costs for works to berth these vessels overnight at Craignure will be considerable,’ the plans said, while announcing a consultation on options for Craignure Pier.

The council’s report added: ‘Initially, the ferries plan noted that two services operated to Lismore and there was an intention to work towards one service only.

‘The VRDP now notes this is a long-term aspiration and that the original appraisal will be subject to review. Currently the council is working on improvements at Port Appin and Point on Lismore.

‘The ferries plan sets out a long-term proposal to construct berthing at Fionnphort which would allow for a longer operating day and provide a more suitable overnight berth in terms of crew access.

‘The council has engaged a consultant to consider the feasibility of providing a new breakwater at Iona and overnight berth at Fionnphort.’