Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Praise - And Criticism - For Ferry Service

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 16th June 1972

PRAISE - AND CRITICISM FOR FERRY SERVICE

Ferry services to Arran were both praised and criticised by Arran District Council last week.

It was reported to the council that in an informal discussion with Mr John Whittle, general manager of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company, Mr Fisher Gilmore and the district clerk, Mr J. M. Mable, made the point that Arran was already paying higher ferry fares than other areas on the Clyde and expressed concern over the effect that an increase in rail workers? pay would have on ferry fares. It was felt that this point should be considered before higher fare scales were considered.

Suggestions for improving the winter sailing service were also discussed, including spreading the load of the monthly day trip, which needs the use of two ferries. The possibilities of introducing a Friday night sailing, a late Saturday boat or a weekly day trip were put forward. It also appeared likely that reduced weekend car fares for residents would be introduced.

The council agreed to hold a meeting of the standing committee for transport and communications to formulate ideas which the council would like to see incorporated in the ferry service before presenting them to the CSPC.

NO INFORMATION

Mr J. S. Morton criticised the CSPC and British Rail over the fact that no information was available at Glasgow Central Station for the Clyde ferry services and also that there was no train connection for the late Friday and Saturday night sailings. It was agreed to press for an immediate meeting with British Rail and the CSPC to discuss the problem. Representatives of Ardrossan Town Council have also expressed an interest in attending such a meeting.

The running of the ferry service over the Whitsun weekend was praised by the council, who said that all visitors had reached Arran trouble free and great credit was due to the crew who had been on duty for 22 hours and then resumed duty after a three hour rest.

Scribe Tango