Argyll and Bute Council have launched a public consultation on the proposed development of improved ferry terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon.

Major upgrades of the existing terminals in both towns will deliver a range of benefits for passengers including improvements to the reliability of the Gourock-Dunoon and Gourock- Kilcreggan services.

The infrastructure improvements will also ensure that both terminals can accommodate larger vessels.

The consultation is launching in early February and will seek feedback on the proposed preferred options for Dunoon and Kilcreggan.

The proposed preferred options include:

• Dunoon

Removal of the current linkspan

Improved passenger access to the ferry

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Extended breakwater to serve as the berth for the Waverly and to provide better weather shelter

• Kilcreggan

Installation of a pontoon berth to the west of the pier

Improved passenger access from fixed gangways

Possible breakwater for improved weather shelter

Continued berthing for the Waverley and other harbour users

The scheme is part of a wider project designed to enhance ferry services and infrastructure across Gourock – Kilcreggan – Dunoon and is a collaboration between Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, CalMac Ferries Ltd and Argyll and Bute Council.

Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, said: "This project is highly significant for the long-term development of ferry services across Argyll and Bute but also in terms of the wider economic impact throughout the region.

"The pandemic has highlighted once again the crucial nature of the lifeline services which our ferries provide and, of course, they are also vital in terms of the key part which they play in our tourism industry.

"The upgrading of the terminals at Kilcreggan and Dunoon will be of huge benefit to our local communities and visitors. We hope people will take the opportunity when the consultation launches to give their views on these early stage proposed designs."