Pressure Mounts Over Planned Reductions to Cumbrae Ferry Services

Calls have been made for Scottish Government intervention following proposed reductions to ferry services between Largs and Great Cumbrae, amid concerns over the potential impact on island residents and the local economy.

West Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark has written to Scotland's recently appointed Transport Minister, Stephen Flynn, urging action over changes to both the current summer timetable and CalMac's proposed winter schedule for the route.

In her letter, Clark argued that service reductions already introduced this summer have significantly reduced carrying capacity on the crossing, with estimates suggesting a decrease of around 25 per cent during one of the island's busiest tourism periods.

She warned that the changes could affect not only visitor numbers but also residents who rely on the ferry for access to employment, education, healthcare services and transport connections on the mainland.

The MSP also criticised the implementation of the summer timetable changes, claiming they were introduced without an Island Communities Impact Assessment being undertaken, despite requirements under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

Further concerns have been raised over CalMac's draft winter timetable covering October 2026 to March 2027. Under the proposals, the long-established half-hourly service would be replaced by a single vessel operating every 40 minutes, resulting in a further reduction in sailings on the route.

Clark argued that the proposed winter changes could have similar economic and social consequences to those already being experienced under the revised summer timetable.

She pointed to alternative proposals developed by the Cumbrae Ferry Users Group, which she says would maintain the existing half-hourly frequency while still complying with CalMac's safety requirements relating to the separation of passenger and vehicle boarding procedures.

In her correspondence with the Transport Minister, Clark called for discussions involving Transport Scotland, CalMac and local ferry user representatives to explore options for maintaining current service levels throughout the winter and reconsidering the summer reductions.

Responding to the concerns, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said the Scottish Government supports measures taken by CalMac to ensure ferry services operate safely and reliably across the network.

The spokesperson added that engagement with the local community regarding the winter timetable remains ongoing and noted that a two-vessel operation is continuing throughout the summer period to improve service resilience.

Transport Scotland also stated that the published timetable reflects contractual obligations under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services agreement, which includes requirements relating to the safe operation of ferry routes.

Discussions on potential mitigation measures are understood to be continuing as stakeholders seek to balance operational safety with the transport needs of the island community.