FERRY users have voiced disappointment that timetable requests to help commuters and people going for hospital appointments on the mainland have been turned down.
The ferry users group on Cumbrae had put forward requests for an early 6.30am sailing from Cumbrae Slip on a daily basis during week days, and to retain the 8.30am sailings on Sunday in the summer timetable.
A Cal Mac spokesman said: “As is the case for all our routes, the Cumbrae community’s requests were fully evaluated and passed to Transport Scotland for consideration. Due to a combination of additional costs and operational considerations it has been decided not to proceed with these.”
On the Largs News facebook page, Lynn Burtt said: “The early Sunday ferry made a huge difference to us on a number of occasions...as far as I’m concerned, it’s a terrible loss.”
Sheena Paterson was unimpressed, and said: “This is shocking from Cal Mac - at its best it is hopeless.”
And Alex Morton, making reference to the recent disruption, said: “It’s hard enough to get them to run when they should be at the moment.”
Bill Steele of Cumbrae Ferry Users Group said: “The 8.30am ferry from Cumbrae has made a great difference to people during the past year, so it is disappointing it is being taken away.”