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