WESTERN Ferries is investing a further £2.5m into improving its terminal at Gourock’s McInroy’s Point as part of a £24m programme.

The latest work will involve the delivery, installation and replacement of the older berthing structure, and a new 30 metre-long link span.

Managing director Gordon Ross says continuing investment is focused on ensuring Western provides ‘the most frequent, reliable and robust ferry service possible for the Cowal and Inverclyde communities, and for the 1.3 million passengers and 650,000 vehicles we transport every year’.

He said: “This is a clear statement of our confidence in the company and in our employees. It also represents the next step in ‘future-proofing’ our business and service provision.”

Mr Ross said the contract represents the latest stage of a long-term investment programme designed to significantly upgrade the quality and reliability of the company’s vessels and terminals. 

Over the last 16 years, this programme has delivered four new vessels - two from Ferguson’s in Port Glasgow and two from Cammell Laird in Birkenhead - two new link spans, new berthing structures and larger car marshalling areas.

The new work will start at the end of this month and should be finished by late autumn.

Mr Ross added: “Once completed, the upgraded berthing facilities will be better able to accommodate tidal variations and changeable weather conditions, thereby enhancing reliability and overall resilience of the service.

“Western Ferries has also committed to additional investment in its terminals over the next 12 months. Once completed, the total investment will have reached almost £24m.

“The works have been planned to ensure there will be no disruption to services throughout the construction period.”

George Leslie Ltd won the contract following a competitive tender process earlier this year, and will be responsible for the civil engineering works, while Arch Henderson have been appointed as consultant engineers.

These appointments re-unite the team that successfully delivered upgrading to Western Ferries’ terminals in 2006/07.

Neil Doherty, director of George Leslie Ltd, said: “We are delighted to once again be working with Western Ferries and Arch Henderson on the further upgrading of berthing facilities at McInroy’s Point.”