Published: Wednesday, 23rd April, 2008 08:00
Large hotel would be answer for Millport
By David Walker
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MSP Kenny Gibson has concerns about lack of hotel accommodation on the isle of Cumbrae.
Local MSP Kenny Gibson has expressed concern over the limited availability of guest accommodation in Millport - but has suggested a large hotel development could be the answer.
At a recent meeting of the Isle of Cumbrae Ferry Users Group, those in attendance discussed how they would respond to a new ferry service review by the Scottish Government.
However, debate was also sparked over the island’s ability to attract tourists, as well as the issue of how visitors are catered for when they do arrive.
At the meeting, Cunninghame North SNP MSP Kenny Gibson urged Cumbrae’s “fragmented” tourism industry to unite and, with a restored Garrison now complete, look to new developments to help boost the island economy.
He said: “A centralised booking system, agency and phone numbers, undoubtedly with the help of grant funding, would be an excellent way of assisting the fragmented tourism industry on the island.
“A large hotel development on a greenfield site providing similar services to Auchrannie in Arran would, I believe, be welcomed with open arms by many islanders.”
He added: “Cumbrae has turned itself around in recent years and is no longer an island in decline. Last year tourist footfall increased, despite poor weather.
“Nevertheless, businesses on the island struggle to make ends meet and any boost to visitor numbers would be warmly welcomed by islanders.”
Local councillor Alan Hill backed the notion of a centralised booking agency/phone number with the help of grant funding.
However, Mr Gibson also spoke of his fears that a reduction in car fares on the ferry could lead to over-congestion on island roads.
He said: “Islanders are not keen on visitor car fares falling substantially, as they fear that the island will clog up with cars in the summer.
“As a tourist island, visitors are most welcome. Unfortunately, cars already fill Millport to capacity on some days and there is no enthusiasm to see that exacerbated.”
Yet, he did believe that reducing the price of travel for foot passengers was “highly desirable” with Bill Steele of the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association agreeing that this group should be encouraged.
Describing it as “probably the greatest priority for the island”, Mr Gibson also said of a separate reduction in fares for commercial vehicles, “this would help reduce the cost of construction, goods and services and the cost of living on Cumbrae and dissuade islanders from nipping over to Largs ‘for a pint of milk’ so to speak.”
The MSP stated his belief that ferry tickets should be sold on Cumbrae as well as Largs, where he described the ticket office as “small and inappropriate for modern use”.
He said: “At present there are no plans to build a better ticket office in Largs. This should be re-considered.”
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