Arran Ferry Action Group

10/06/2024

R E M I N D E R

Isle of Arran Ferry Committee AGM.

Tonight.

Ormidale Pavilion at 1800.

06/06/2024

Since folding Arran Ferry Action Group in February, we have been watching as the challenges facing our lifeline ferry service deepen ever further. A number of critical decisions are now being made and more being taken over the next few months. We can no longer sit on the sidelines.....

We are therefore pleased to announce that former Chair Sam Bourne has agreed to stand for election to the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee as the Independent Traveller Representative.

The AGM is Monday 10th June, Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick at 1800.

Your chance to make your voice heard. ⛴️

11/02/2024

Arran Ferry Action Group has regrettably decided to disband.

Over the last four and a half years the Arran Ferry Action Group has tirelessly campaigned, lobbied, even pleaded with key decision-makers to make constructive improvements to our ferry services and the infrastructure on which they depend.
Repeated warnings about the cliff edge in reliability due to the age and condition of the vessels and harbours have been ignored until it is too late.
The current disruption on the main Arran ferry route is directly related to decades of delay in replacing ageing vessels and harbour infrastructure.
None of this should be a surprise to anyone who has been following this evolving saga and simply highlights the fundamental lack of reliability and resilience in our supposed 'lifeline' ferry services.

Through the various inquiries, reports, and debates, there is barely a stone left unturned on the ferry fiasco, with numerous solutions and options outlined by many islanders to help solve some of the major issues. We have lobbied, campaigned, written, pressured, commented, and contributed as much as we feel we can, with endless brick walls to progress. We are frustrated, worn out and worn down by those who seek to defend the indefensible. A few folk responded to our plea for fresh volunteers, but when they realised the futility of our sustained efforts, they too withdrew and so we have taken the regrettable decision to disband.

The solutions to this ferry crisis sit with our elected representatives in the Scottish Parliament and it is time for urgent action ---- and we need them to act.

Arran Ferry Action Group would like to thank its supporters and committee members for all of their efforts and support over the last four and a half years.

For more please visit our website at the link below..... 👇

Welcome to the website for Arran Ferry Action Group.

06/02/2024

Arran Ferry Action Group took part in a round table discussion on our lifeline ferry services earlier this week with Under Secretary of State for the Scotland Office, John Lamont MP. It featured community and business representatives from Arran and across the wider CalMac network, along with local MPs and MSPs.
The discussion focussed on reliability, resilience and communication with many common issues heard from across the network. Although with only CalMac present, this limited the extent of some of the discussion.

Meanwhile, in a very busy few weeks of developments with our ferry service.....
- The new vessels for Arran are further delayed with the potential for cost increases.
- The Ardrossan Irish Berth has been permanently closed by Peel Ports.
- MV Caledonian Isles is significantly delayed in overhaul with extensive replacement steel work required, leaving 40 year old MV Isle of Arran as the core vessel.
- No decision on the Ardrossan Harbour Upgrade.
- The service now faces the prospect of a temporary diversion to Troon amid issues with fendering on the main Ardrossan Arran Berth and forecast strong easterly winds.

These are all key issues that Arran Ferry Action Group have consistently highlighted and repeatedly warned of as significant risks to the reliability and resilience of our lifeline ferry service.

23/01/2024

Arran ferry issues raised by local MSPs.

The issues facing the lifeline ferry service to Arran have been raised by our 3 local MSPs, Kenneth Gibson MSP, Katy Clark MSP and Jamie Green MSP, including at Topical Questions in Holyrood.

Local MSPs all raise concerns over Arran’s lifeline ferry service

17/01/2024

The public consultation for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS3) contract remains open and will close on the 8th March 2024.

This public consultation provides an opportunity for communities and ferry users to directly contribute to the new contract development.

See more at the links below, and make sure you have your say.

https://www.transport.gov.scot/consultation/public-consultation-for-the-next-clyde-hebrides-ferry-services-contract/

Do you travel by on 's and network?

Do you have ideas on how services could be improved?

Tell us your views on:

🔹 dedicated vehicles spaces for island residents
🔹 the role of locals in decision-making
🔹 community engagement

Have your say ➡️ bit.ly/3u2Meoh

22/12/2023

Ferguson Marine Quarterly Update on Glen Sannox / 801 and Glen Rosa / 802.

Positive news that the 'dock trials' for Glen Sannox have been successfully completed, balanced with the news that she missed her move to drydock earlier this week due to adverse weather. She will now go to dry dock in April after commencing builders sea trials.

Glen Rosa / 802 is still expected to launch on 12th March.

A revision to the schedule and projected costs to complete both vessels is to be completed by end of January 2024, with the potential for a further 2 month delay to the delivery of Glen Sannox relating to emerging issues with the LNG system.

More here...... 👇

Letter from David Tydeman, Chief Executive Officer, Ferguson Marine, 21 December 2023

30/11/2023

Arran Ferry Action Group AGM was held on Saturday 18th November. Many thanks to all those who attended.

Minutes can be found on our website at the link here 👇

https://arranferries.scot/news/minutes-of-2023-agm-19-11-2023

If you wish to stand for the committee to help take the group forward and continue the campaign for improvements to our ferry service, please email [email protected] to register your interest.
Thank you for your support.

Minutes of the 2023 AGM

16/11/2023

CHFS3 Contract

Following the statement from the Transport Minister on 16th November regarding the future Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Service contract, Transport Scotland are holding a drop in consultation event on Monday evening.

Monday 20th November, Ormidale Pavillion, Brodick, 1830-2030

Have your say on how the future lifeline ferry contract should be structured.

16/11/2023

Arran Ferry Action Group AGM.

A reminder of the AGM this Saturday, 18th November, at Ormidale Pavillion, 1400.
You are warmly invited to attend.

If you are interested in joining the committee and keeping up the pressure on those responsible for our ferries, now is the time to come forward and reach for the baton. We need new volunteers to champion our cause with fresh energy and enthusiasm! For any further information or register your interest before the AGM, please email [email protected] or Facebook messenger.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

05/10/2023

The first trials of an 'Islander Priority Pilot' ticketing system are set to commence on the Mull and Coll/Tiree routes this winter.

On the Mull sailings, this will see 10% of car deck space retained until 72 hours before sailing time to allow more short notice bookings, principally (but not exclusively) for Island residents.

This is a result of the widely supported surveys carried out by Arran, Mull and Coll/Tiree residents in Summer 2022 and a subsequent undertaking by then Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth MSP.

We will be watching with interest!

We’re delighted to be able to confirm that the Islander Priority Pilot is launching with the winter timetable. Together with Coll and Tiree, we will be trialling a ticket sales system that sh…

23/08/2023

Ferguson Marine advise of a further delay to completion of MV Glen Sannox and a knock on delay to the launch of the as-yet-unnamed Hull 802.

Issues surrounding compliance with MCA regulations are blamed for the delay.

Sea trials for MV Glen Sannox have now been pushed back to Q1 2024, appearing to end any realistic hope of the vessel entering service by the start of the summer timetable. Her entry to service and the timing of the consequent diversion to Troon is currently unclear.

The knock on effect for Hull 802 sees the launch date delayed until possibly March 2024. Hull 802 is now understood to be earmarked to also serve Arran.

This extremely disappointing update - when combined with the recent 'pause' to the Ardrossan Harbour Upgrade project - adds significant further uncertainty to the future of our lifeline ferry service.

You can read the letter to the NZET Committee here..... 👀👇

Letter from David Tydeman, Chief Executive Officer, Ferguson Marine, 22 August 2023

15/08/2023

Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment Project 'paused'.

In a further setback to the long delayed Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment, Transport Scotland have announced that the procurement phase is being paused to deliver a refreshed business case for the project.

The review is expected to be completed for the end of the year, however this decision adds even more uncertainty to the planned scope and schedule of the improvements to Ardossan Harbour, and the duration of the consequent diversion to Troon.

Read more here..... 👀👇

Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment The procurement process for the Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment is being paused to deliver a refreshed business case for the project. The tender design stage has identified that costs have risen significantly since the start of the project, and will need to be reasses...

11/07/2023

Transport Scotland yesterday published Project Neptune: Communities Report on Future Management of Ferries
Report by Angus Campbell, Chair of the Ferries Communities Board.

We were pleased to contribute to this report earlier this year, and applaud Angus Campbell for his efforts to lead, compile and present the result of a truly network wide consultation.

The core conclusions are that the vast majority of communities do not feel the present ferry system works for islanders, and that significant structural change is urgently required.

You can read more here..... 👇

https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/project-neptune-communities-report-on-future-management-of-ferries/

30/06/2023

Further delay and additional costs to complete 801 and 802 announced at Ferguson Marine.

With interesting timing on the last day of the parliamentary session before a two month Summer recess, Ferguson CEO David Tydeman writes to the NZET Committee.

An additional cost to complete of £20 million has been identified, with a further delay into Spring 2024 before 801 / Glen Sannox may finally be in service.
Hull 802 is further delayed with launch now expected in late November.

You can read the full letter at the link below...... 👀 👇

Letter from Ferguson Marine

28/06/2023

Freeze on ferry fares extended by Transport Scotland to March 2024.

Ferry fares freeze extended A fare freeze on the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles ferry networks has been extended for a further six months. Ticket prices will be held at current levels from October 2023 until the end of March 2024 to help people and businesses from Scotland’s remote rural an...

26/06/2023

26/06/2023

The Scottish Parliament Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee have published their inquiry report on a Modern and Sustainable Ferry Service for Scotland.

We were pleased to be able to contribute to this inquiry and gave evidence as part of the initial sessions last year.
The report is a thorough and comprehensive body of work by the committee, assembled from many evidence sessions with various stakeholders from islanders through to operators, and we hope the core conclusions and recommendations are followed.

https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/NZET/2023/6/26/d7d24afd-4bca-47ac-8bdd-f745434ecde2?fbclid=IwAR3jQCeWDqC06CAStB69QDEYpVi235EIdlo3hyHq-oAyOCFNhmtlAsUIj8w

The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee report on its inquiry into a Modern and Sustainable Ferry Service for Scotland.

20/06/2023

𝗕𝗕𝗖'𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁*
In this week's episode prepare to shed a tear or two when Calmac's chief executive, Robbie Drummond (centre), asks Jay Blades and his team of experts to restore an ailing fleet of much-loved ferries to their former glory.

*Not available in South Uist.

13/06/2023

Following recent pressure, we have a newly reinstated position of Cabinet Secretary for Transport, along with a new Transport Minister.

We welcome Mairi McAllan and Fiona Hyslop to their posts and look forward to working with them to address the critical issues of our lifeline ferry service.

Màiri McAllan is taking overall responsibility for transport after the resignation of Kevin Stewart.

13/06/2023

Call for new Transport Minister to be a senior role.

Following the recent resignation of Keven Stewart MSP, we back this call for the new Transport Minister to be a Cabinet level post.

A new Ministerial appointment is apparently expected 'imminently', making it the 4th appointment to the post in this Parliament since May 2021.

Western Isles Council said it should be a cabinet job due to serious ferry problems.

29/05/2023

Ferries Community Board update from a recent meeting with Transport Minister, CMAL and CalMac.
With winter overhaul still expected to run on into late June, and questions over the status of long term absentee Hebridean Isles, the disruption across the network looks set to continue.....

11/05/2023

MV Alfred to be 2nd boat for Arran. 👍

Friday 12th May – Thursday 25th May
MV Alfred will be introduced into service on an unbookable basis for two weeks to allow vessel familiarisation and to evaluate timetable assumptions.
The following timetable will apply –
Depart Ardrossan - 11:05
Arrive Brodick - 12:10
Depart Brodick -12:55
Arrive Ardrossan - 14:00
Depart Ardrossan - 16:40
Arrive Brodick - 17:45
Depart Brodick - 18:30
Arrive Ardrossan - 19:35
Please be advised that all passengers will require to access the vessel via her ramp. The passenger lift from the car deck is currently unavailable due to a technical issue, although a stair climber is available. Passengers who would prefer to use a lift are advised to travel on MV Caledonian Isles. No retail offering will be available onboard."

For full details from CalMac, please see their customer update here..... 👇

CalMac's latest customer update provides the latest information on the charter of the MV Alfred from Pentland Ferries.

04/05/2023

MV ALFRED BERTHING TRIALS

The MV Alfred completed berthing trials at Brodick, Ardrossan, Campbeltown and Troon this past week. Fundamentally these appear to have been successful. ✅

The vessel will fit in the main Brodick berth and the standby concrete berth, the Ardrossan Irish Berth, and the berths at Troon and Campbeltown. 👍

Some relatively minor modifications are required to the stern ramp flaps to improve alignment for vehicle access. 🛠️

We look forward to seeing MV Alfred in service soon, and hope she is deployed as the second vessel on the Arran route. 🤞

Images show MV Alfred in Ardrossan Irish Berth.
( 📸 Sam Bourne)

For a video of the vessel berthing in Brodick by David Black (many thanks David!) please see the website here..... 👇

https://arranferries.scot/news/mv-alfred-docking-trial-30-04-2023

16/04/2023

In April 2018, ex-Transport Minister and now First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP, approved upgrading Ardrossan Harbour.

Six years on, we are no further forward.

West Scotland Regional MSP Katy Clark has written to demand his government take compulsory measures.

We also understand a Task Force Meeting took place in late March under former Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth MSP, but as yet have had no confirmation or minutes from the meeting to learn of any recent progress or developments.

The Task Force now has its fifth Minister and Co-Chair in Kevin Stewart MSP.

16/04/2023

BBC Radio Scotland 'The Sunday Show' from Sunday 16th April discussing another challenging week for our lifeline ferry services across the Clyde and Hebrides network, and the deeper impacts of the continued disruption.

Listen again at the link below, or on BBC Sounds. 👇

This programme looks further afield and clearly demonstrates how ferry issues are affecting all Western Isles.

15/04/2023

Some positive developments on the 'Samso-ish' system that gained significant support across the Arran & Mull communities in our surveys.

A trial will take place on the Oban-Craignure and Oban-Coll/Tiree routes this summer. A dynamically adjustable percentage of car spaces will be held back until 72 hours before sailing to allow short notice booking. (Correction -- this will be a flat 10% in this early trial for simplicity.)

We look forward to a successful outcome, and that this will allow implementation on the Ardrossan-Brodick route in due course.

With never-ending bad ferry news at the moment, it’s great to give an update on something positive. We held a productive meeting with Transport Scotland and CalMac today regarding the pilot o…

02/04/2023

Campaigners call on Yousaf to reconsider his decision to drop Transport Cabinet post.

"Transport no longer being a Cabinet post does not give us the confidence that it is being taken seriously at government level.
It is also disappointing that we now have our seventh transport minister in 10 years."

Scotland’s new first minister Humza Yousaf has been urged by campaigners to reconsider his decision to drop the transport portfolio from his Cabinet.

31/03/2023

If you have had an Easter ferry booking cancelled by CalMac, or if you are an accommodation provider with cancelled Easter reservations, STV would like to speak with you. Please e-mail [email protected] with your contact details and we will put you in touch.

31/03/2023

As part of the reshuffle in the Scottish Government under new First Minister Humza Yousaf, a new Transport Minister has been appointed.

Kevin Stewart MSP (SNP, Aberdeen Central) becomes the 3rd Minister in this Parliament (since May 2021) and the seventh in a decade.

We look forward to engaging with him in a constructive manner as we did with his predecessor, Jenny Gilruth MSP.

We are however deeply concerned and disappointed that Transport is no longer deemed sufficiently important to feature directly on a Cabinet Secretary portfolio.

Yesterday in Parliament, within minutes of his official appointment, Kevin responded to an Urgent Question on the current state of the network, and in particular the cancellations for S Uist.
Read the transcript below...... 👇

A Bill is a proposed Act of the Scottish Parliament. A Bill that is introduced in the Scottish Parliament is scrutinised and debated by MSPs.