CalMac hope to have a faster response to disrupted services on the Largs-Cumbrae service in future, and Millport pier could be used as a future port of refuge.

A special summit of the Cumbrae Ferry Users group was recently held in response to concerns at the January cancellations, when bad weather combined with an engine failure to cause disruptions.

One option which is currently being examined is to utilise Millport pier as a port of refuge, as opposed to the more extensive journey to Garvel dock in Greenock where it rested during the January storms.

Bill Steele of the Cumbrae Ferry Users Group said: “Using the pier would save the ferry having to go to the Garvel dock which is not owned by CalMac, but it is the nearest one for them to use under the current circumstances. Because the dock is not owned by them there is a time limit as to when it can get in and out of this particular port, and it curtails the sailing day, which resulted in some of the recent disruption. Bringing Millport pier back as a port of refuge is something which is getting looked at, and that would limit any disruption in future as it is relatively close by, compared to Garvel.” Millport pier had to be closed last year to all vessels in excess of 100 tonnes, including the Waverley, but a programme of improvements has been part of a longer term plan, with support from North Ayrshire Council.

In attendance at the ferry-users group meeting were Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson, Simon Richmond, area operations manager, and Guy Dale-Smith, both of CalMac, and Cllr Alan Hill to discuss how best to deal with disruptions and cancellations to the service.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Mr Gibson said: “After a very comprehensive presentation of the recent difficulties by Donald Campbell, a lively and robust discussion ensued.

“CalMac explained that the bad weather was the most sustained for over 20 years and this, coupled with an engine failure led to the recent difficulties islanders endured.

“Nevertheless, 98.46% of sailings did take place last year, better than average for the network.

“With decisions on sailing or not down to safety decisions taken by the four skippers, who have 100 years of experience on the route between them, the discussions gravitated to what could to be done to minimise disruptions in future, a point I emphasised, given increasingly volatile weather each winter.

“A host of potential ‘ports of refuge’ were discussed, from Ardrossan to Fairlie to Rothesay, none of which would be an improvement on the Garvel or Rosneath which are currently used but are a five hour round trip away!

“Different vessels were also debated although Cal Mac insisted that as the Loch Shira was built for the route and is best suited for it.

“To enable a faster response in bad weather, Cal Mac now has a permanent relief crew on standby, should a vessel need replacement due to breakdowns.

“They have agreed to look at how infrastructure, both onshore and vessels can be improved in the years ahead - although such improvements are likely to prove very costly - to ensure the people of Cumbrae are able to have as reliable service possible in all but the most hostile of weather conditions.”