United councillors from North Ayrshire have joined forces to voice their concerns about the “decline” of service on the Arran ferry.
And they are urging operators Caledonian MacBrayne to freeze prices owing to ongoing problems with the service.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop recently confirmed ticket prices were going up.
She said: “Reluctantly, we are having to raise ferry fares in the coming year by 10 per cent, bringing fare levels back to around what they would have been had fares not been frozen in 2023-24.
“This means, in real terms, fares have broadly increased in line with inflation over time.”
The motion was brought forward by Tory Leader Cameron inglis and seconded by party colleague Todd Ferguson.
The motion read:
Council notes:
- A significant decline in ferry service levels to Arran and Cumbrae in recent years.
- That more sailings are being delayed or cancelled due to the ever-increasing frequency of serious technical issues.
- That more vessels are having to be removed from service due to technical issues causing disruption and chaos for island residents, businesses, and visitors.
- Therefore, Council instructs:
The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, requesting that ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae remain frozen at their current rate for the 2025-26 sailing season.
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