Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the announcement today (Wednesday, August 27)  by Transport Minister Nicol Stephen that the Scottish Executive is committing £2 million towards the costs of a new vehicle ramp for its ferry services at Dunoon.

The funding is being awarded to Argyll and Bute Council and work on the new linkspan, along with the construction of a breakwater at Dunoon Pier, will start shortly.

Caledonian MacBrayne Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am delighted to receive this news. It is a welcome step forward in terms of the renovation of the Dunoon pier facility. The company is now looking forward to the commencement of the work on the breakwater and the linkspan. Caledonian MacBrayne currently operates a side-loading car ferry to Dunoon and this service is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. It is very important that as well as the construction of a new linkspan at Dunoon, Argyll and Bute Council keeps the side-loading linkspan there at the moment in fully effective and operational order. Meantime, we also look forward to receiving the outcome of the consultation on the future development of the service.”

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne, Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk, or Lucy Lucy Adamson at the Scottish Executive on 0131 244 2614 / 07771555605

Issued:  Wednesday, August 27, 2003 : 1700

Background notes:

1. Argyll & Bute Council was awarded £2.5 million from the Scottish Executive’s Other Public Transport Fund (as detailed in the Scottish budget) in 2001 for a new breakwater to protect the existing timber pier at Dunoon. Today’s further award will put the infrastructure in place for a variety of vessels. The funding comes from the Public Transport budget.

2. Proposals to tender the Gourock – Dunoon route were published for consultation in March 2003. Decisions on the way forward are due to be made later this year.