Jamie McGrigor MSP recently submitted a series of written parliamentary questions to Transport Minister Keith Brown on matters to do with the Dunoon-Gourock ferry, the tendering of the CalMac ferry routes later this year and the A83 diversion route.
He received Mr Brown’s written answers at the end of last week on these matters of wide interest.
Questions and answers are below.
On scoping study for Gourock-Dunoon future ferry service
Question: Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party):
To ask the Scottish Government , further to the answer to question S4W-08558 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, when it will publish the scoping information and in what format.
Answer (S4W-08880) Mr Keith Brown MSP :
The Terms of Reference for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service feasibility study of a future passenger and vehicle service with the vehicle portion being non-subsidised will be published in full once they are finalised. We expect them to be available shortly.
On Argyll Ferries present Gourock-Dunoon ferry service
Question: Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party):
To ask the Scottish Government , further to the answer to question S4W-08557 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether all ministers agree that “[Argyll Ferries Ltd] is delivering the services specified by the contract
Answer: (S4W-08882) Mr Keith Brown MSP:
As set out in the response to question S4W-08557, Argyll Ferries Ltd are delivering the services specified by the contract. Scottish Ministers are maintaining a close interest in the delivery of these services as Argyll Ferries Ltd continue to take steps to improve their operation.
On tendering the CalMac Clyde and Hebridean ferry routes
Question: Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party):
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the EU regarding the tendering process for CalMac ferry routes and whether these have included delaying the process.
Answer: (S4W-08881) Mr Keith Brown MSP :
There has been no recent discussion with the EU regarding the tendering process for the next Clyde & Hebrides ferry services contract.
On the ability of the A83 emergency diversion A83 to carry HGVs
Question: Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party):
To ask the Scottish Government , further to the answer to question S4W-08319 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, what its response is to any concerns that HGVs and other haulage vehicles will be unable to use the Old Military Road.
Answer: (S4W-08903) Mr Keith Brown MSP :
Consultants have carried out analysis to ensure HGVs are able to negotiate the whole of the emergency diversion route.
These are hardly probing questions. Yes, AFL are delivering the service they were contracted to. That is why AFL report close to 100% reliability.
The real question is why did the contract not specify that the ferries should be able to cope with weather conditions on the Firth of Clyde?
As it stands any time the ferries cannot sail due to the weather then, under the contract, it counts as if they HAVE sailed!
Just recently we have seen both the bathtubs unable to sail in what were really quite mild conditions and that still counts as 100% reliability.
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Perhaps, or is that despite all the recent issues raised by the malcontents, the SNP still believes that Argyll Ferries are still performing to the contract.
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Are you deliberately missing the point?
Argyll Ferries ARE performing to the contract.
The contract permits abysmal service because nowhere does it specify what weather conditions the ferries should be able to sail in.
Users of other ferries whose routes may be tendered beware. Make sure any tender and contract either specifies minimum sizes for vessels or specifies what sea conditions they should be able to sail in. Otherwise, like ours, your bathtubs will stay in port and notch up 100% reliability.
You also want to make sure provision is made for relief vessels so that you don’t end up with a half service for four or more weeks each year when ferries need maintenance.
Also if you have a special event (we have Cowal Games) make sure it is adequately covered.
The REAL question is who was responsible for not doing any of the above on the Dunoon Gourock ferry route.
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