Campaigners on Cumbrae insist they will not stop in their fight to retain discounted season tickets on the route when CalMac’s new ticketing system comes into place.

The season tickets, which give islanders travelling regularly vital savings, are set to be scrapped, forcing residents to absorb increased costs when the new system arrives.

Angus Campbell, chair of the Cumbrae Ferry Committee, reveals that little progress has been made in discussions over the issue despite high level meetings with the transport minister.

He said: “The new ticketing system will bring a lot of benefits, but one of the major sticking points will be the removal of discounted season tickets.

“The loss of the season ticket will be a huge blow for people who travel daily for work, and the real frustration is we are not getting anywhere.

“We are considering a letter campaign to raise the profile of our concerns, and we need to lobby people to support this.

"For us to have a community where people are able to travel daily and not have a hike in prices is really important.”

Councillor Todd Ferguson, an island resident, believes the price increase could drive people away from the island.

He said: “We have all these grand plans for wanting to improve the island and make it sustainable long term, but we also have to attract people.

“Some residents could see their ferry costs almost doubling if the season ticket is removed, which could drive people away from the island.

“I think anyone living on the island should be given a discount, because they could lose essential two full days of working every month on their ferry costs.”

MSP Jamie Greene, pictured, says islanders have been in touch to say they may have to leave the island due to the rising costs.

He said: “Cumbrae residents have relied on the season pass discount for many years and it’s very concerning that it’s been removed from the new system.

“Islanders not only deserve to retain this discount, but need it. Hundreds of island residents commute to and from the mainland and this price rise will make the journey unaffordable for many.

“Indeed, a teacher has been in touch with me saying that she may have to consider leaving Cumbrae altogether.

“That’s why I’m urgently raising this matter with the Scottish Government who need to outline why they have taken this concerning decision."