SNP minister Paul Wheelhouse has been challenged over the longstanding problems of the Dunoon-Gourock ferry service by Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron.

During questions in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Thursday 10th October) the Scottish Conservative MSP accused the government of kicking the issue “into the long grass”.

Mr Cameron stated that since the two vessels that ply the route came into service they had racked up over 2000 cancellations.

Speaking afterwards, he said this:

“Twelve years ago the newly elected SNP Government promised the people of Dunoon and Cowal that they would prioritise the Dunoon-Gourock passenger service.

“Since then, there has been no improvement and what’s worse, judging by the minister’s reply, there is very little sign of any immediate upgrade in the pipeline.

“I continue to receive messages from locals telling me that the unreliability of this service makes it difficult for them to plan their lives and go about their daily business.

“Frankly this is a terrible record and I hope that I have shamed the minister into finally taking action.”