Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the Gourock to Dunoon service could be operated as a passenger-only service, following Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to place a weight restriction on Dunoon pier.

The Council has confirmed that from November 1, they will restrict access to the pier to vehicles of no more than 13 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass. This means effectively that coaches will not be allowed to carry passengers across the pier and nor will articulated lorries and large laden box vans be accepted on the route.

CalMac has expressed its concerns about the impact of the restrictions on the route and the effect this will have on the Company’s reputation and revenues, at a time when the route is being offered for tender and the whole CalMac network is soon to be similarly offered. CalMac has also confirmed that the Company will carry out a Risk Assessment on the current operation to ensure that safety is not being compromised.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “We are dismayed about the effect this will have on our customers for four months over one of the most difficult periods of the year in terms of weather. It is of considerable concern that the situation has reached this critical stage at such an important time in the decision-making process relating to the future of this service. It is also of concern that the Council has already informed the Scottish Executive that a recent survey of the current side-loading linkspan at Dunoon pier indicated that its operating life will expire in 2007.”

CalMac also confirmed that Argyll and Bute Council have asked to have vessels currently serving the island of Bute redeployed to service the new linkspan at Dunoon and to have amendments made to operating practices at Dunoon. Mr. Sinclair said: “The Company cannot use a facility which is not fit for purpose. The works which have to take place at Rothesay to enable us to provide the high quality service we want to operate with new vessels is going to cause considerable disruption on that service as well. It is in nobody’s interest to start trying to rob Peter to pay Paul and we will continue to operate the service in the best interest of our customers. The situation at Dunoon is hugely regrettable, but I hope our customers will understand that we are not in a position to do anything other than deploy the fleet in the only way open to us and that could mean a passenger-only service on Gourock to Dunoon for up to four months.”

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Limited, (Aiseagan ChalMac Earranta); tel 0776 435 4021.