Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron has described the failure of the SNP Government to resolve the longstanding issue of the inadequate Dunoon-Gourock ferry, despite repeated promises to take action, as “12 long years of shameful failure.”

Donald’s comments came ahead of a meeting being held in Dunoon next week by the SNP Minister for the Islands Paul Wheelhouse to discuss the ferry situation.

“When the SNP narrowly won the Argyll and Bute seat back in 2007 it was widely credited to their promise to sort out the ferry service which even then was a source of concern to people living in Dunoon and the surrounding area.

“12 years later, and nothing has been done.

“This represents 12 long years of shameful failure as we still have the same unreliable ferries sailing between Dunoon and Gourock.

“The SNP Government seems not to understand that this lack of action has a major impact on sustaining communities in areas like Cowal which face major challenges in retaining young people and attracting investment.

“Mr Wheelhouse simply must come up with a credible action plan.”

Donald added “ I am looking forward to attending the Dunoon Ferry Action Group on 26th April to hear directly from residents. I will do all I can to ensure progress is made.”

Cllr Bobby Good (Scottish Conservative – Dunoon), said:  “Ever since I was elected two years ago local people have been asking me when we will return to a decent service from Dunoon.

“The answer is, when the Scottish Government finally sits up and accepts its responsibility for Argyll’s vital transport infrastructure.

“My fear is that they will seek to replace the ferries we have, poor as they are, with a passenger-only service.

“It is imperative that the minister listens to our community and accepts that we deserve a ferry service fit for the twenty-first century. And that means ferries which can carry vehicles.”