THE proposed new car ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon could also include Kilcreggan, it has emerged.

Today a leading Inverclyde councillor said this would be welcomed by people on both sides of the River Clyde.

The Scottish Government announced last week that it wanted a vehicle-carrying ferry back on the Gourock to Dunoon route, and has now mooted the possibility of it also including Kilcreggan.

The current Gourock to Kilcreggan route is operated by Clydelink on behalf of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), who provide an annual subsidy of £180,000 for it.

Councillor David Wilson, who is chair of SPT’s audit and standards committee, said they would be happy to continue the subsidy as part of a ‘triangular’ service.

There are 12 return services a day between Gourock and Kilcreggan from Monday to Saturday, operated by Clydelink and its Island Princess vessel, pictured, but none on a Sunday.

The councillor said: “Traders on both sides of the Clyde could benefit from a new route including the three destinations.

“It could increase the number of visitors going to the three places.

“SPT have always made clear we are happy for the government’s Transport Scotland agency to take over the route, as long as it would be as good as the current service. I think the three destinations would be an excellent combination, but it all comes down to a question of cost.”

He added: “I don’t feel SPT would contribute any more towards it. Our contribution comes from all the councils involved with SPT, including Inverclyde.”

The current Gourock to Dunoon service is operated by CalMac offshoot Argyll Ferries, and became passenger-only when they took over in 2011.

The contract is up for renewal next year, and the Scottish Government is inviting firms to submit bids and encouraging them to operate a commercial car ferry alongside the subsidised passenger service.

Ministers have stipulated that vessels operating on the route must be of 40 metres in length to ensure ‘greater resilience’ and minimise delays and cancellations.

The new contract will run for 12 years and it will be worth up to £50 million.

The successful bidder is expected to be announced in the spring.