North Coast residents have had their say on how best to improve the ferry service between Largs and Cumbrae.

The CalMac service has regularly been hit by lengthy queues and waiting times since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Physical distancing regulations have reduced the capacity of the MV Loch Shira and smaller MV Loch Riddon considerably.

However, many say the service has not been fit for purpose for a number of years, with demand often outweighing capacity during the summer months.

A number of residents have suggested that a booking system would allow CalMac to manage the flow of travellers and prevent large queues at peak hours.

Michelle Phythian has called for this to be introduced, saying: “It is not a cure by a long shot, but will help as far as forward planning for CalMac to do some capacity assessments.”

Claire Samson agrees, saying: “It should be the same as the Arran ferry, if you are taking a car then you will need to book. It will save massive queues and traffic mayhem for Largs residents.”

Suggestions have also been made to only allow residents to bring their cars to the island, with day-trippers able to board as foot passengers only.

Janice Morrison said: “Millport was at its busiest years ago when there were far fewer cars on the island.

“Often those with cars purchase provisions on the mainland and have picnics, and are less likely to use the local facilities and shops.

“The main street in Millport is now nothing but a huge car park in the summer wit locals struggling to get parked to go to the shops.

“It is supposed to be a cycle friendly island but too many cars are ruining it.”

Islander Liz Christie agrees, saying: “We do not have the infrastructure to cope with the vast amount of cars that are coming over to the island.

“I realise that Largs can’t cope either as they don’t have adequate parking to cope with the surplus.

“Why would you want to sit in a car for two hours in a queue there and back, apart from disabled or elderly tourists there is absolutely no need to bring a car.

“The bus takes you right into town where the shops and good beaches are and there’s cycle hire for those able if they want to see other parts of the island.”

However, George Muirhead said: “If you restrict cars your tourism will die, no one wants to try and park a car in Largs to then get the ferry they had to book in advance only to see the bit of the island where the bus goes.”

There are also many calls for bigger ferries on the route, with the MV Loch Shira having a maximum capacity of 250 passengers.

This is compared to the MV Caledonian Isles which can carry up to 1000 passengers on the Ardrossan to Brodick route.