By Hugh Boag
Seven senior representatives of the organisations which run the ferry service were on Arran on Monday night to meet members of the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee (IoAFC) just a day after the weekend crisis was resolved.
They included four of the top officials of CalMac: Chief executive officer Robbie Drummond; acting director of operations Finlay MacRae; acting head of operations Tommy Gore and marine superintendent Brian Ware.
They were joined by Kevin Hobbs, CMAL chief executive officer; Brian Fulton, head of business support, and Chris Wilcock, head of ferries unit at Transport Scotland.
The meeting also confirmed the appointment of Craig Hatton, Chief Executive North Ayrshire Council, as a member of the IoAFC to provide insights to the local authority as they represent the island’s position on wider forums.
A range of issues were discussed during the two-and-half-hour private meeting but the main focus was on the reliance of the Arran service for the winter and upgrades to Ardrossan.
The situation at Ardrossan and the ongoing maintenance and resilience of the port was a key topic. IoAFC and partners had held meetings with port owner Peel Ports to help establish the position and, although it was recognised the port is in better condition than it has been for some time, the confidence in providing a reliable service was low. Levels of spares and reaction time for repairs have all been considered.
The need to ensure the 07:00 sailing was raised and several options are to be developed to improve confidence.
Troon facilities are progressing and work to make this port service ready are nearing completion.
Also covered were services from the north end and IoAFC’s request to extend summer services are being considered. A request for additional services next winter will also be assessed.
CalMac is also going to review how it can provide services for foot passengers during disruptions and procedures for emergency medical travel will be checked.
CMAL confirmed it had received the initial wave analysis for Brodick which is now being assessed and considered.
The officials sit round the table with ferry committee members at Ormidale Pavilion. NO_B46ferry01_23_brodick_meeting