Information regarding Argyll Ferries progress: FOI release

Information requested

Following public outcry over the horrendous passenger only ferry service between Dunoon and Gourock, Transport Scotland was given several tasks.

In the above context under the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following information:

1. A continuous improvement plan was supposed to be put in place. From inception to the present day please identify what improvements were made along with when they were made and how successful they were.

2. The MV Ali Cat did not have a rescue boat. As a result it was restricted to operating only in calm, clear settled weather with a sea state such as to cause only moderate rolling and or pitching. Obviously having a rescue boat would have greatly reduced the number of times that the MV Ali Cat had to cancel due to weather conditions. Why was the Argyll Ferry service not improved by adding a rescue boat to the MV Ali Cat.

3. Transport Scotland was supposed to arrange cross ticketing between CalMac and Western Ferries so that Cowal's participation in initiatives such as Hopscotch would be restored. What actions were taken to achieve this, when, and why did they fail.

4. When the Dunoon Gourock vehicle ferry service ended crossings to Cowal from the central belt no longer appeared in CalMac marketing literature, indeed even the towns of Dunoon and Gourock disappeared from CalMac maps. Transport Scotland was supposed to take steps to ensure that visitors not familiar with the area knew that it was possible to get to Cowal by ferry both as a foot passenger and in a vehicle. What actions were taken to achieve this and when.

5. Transport Scotland is supposed to oversee an integrated transport network of which both roads and ferries are a part. The "Rest And Be Thankful" has a long history of repeated and lengthy closures. Prior to ceasing the Streaker service did Transport Scotland consider the impact on the network of closures at the "Rest" if the Streaker ferry service was also not available. If so what was the result of those deliberations.

6. When the "Rest" closed and the Streaker service was still in operation what percentage of vehicles chose to divert around the closure using ferries across the Firth of Clyde.

7. When the "Rest" is presently closed what percentage of vehicles chose to divert around the closure using ferries across the Firth of Clyde now that the Streaker service is no longer available.

8. The planned new ferry service on the Dunoon Gourock crossing is to remain passenger only. In coming to that decision was any consideration given to the impact on the transport network, particularly at times when the "Rest" is closed, of restoring a vehicle service on the crossing. If so what was the result of those deliberations.