A BIGGER ferry is to be brought back to the Gourock to Dunoon town centres route again this winter to try to prevent cancellations in bad weather.

The MV Coruisk was introduced last winter and the arrangement is to be repeated for 2014.

The announcement was made by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following consultation with Argyll Ferries and local ferry users.

She said: “The Coruisk was welcomed by regular passengers on the Gourock-Dunoon route last winter, and brought additional resilience and confidence to the service which had been lacking in previous years.

“I want passengers to have that same confidence this winter and, following consultation with the Gourock-Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group and with Argyll Ferries, I have decided that the re-deployment of the MV Coruisk is the best option for passengers who depend on the service.” Ms Sturgeon added: “The MV Coruisk is the only suitable and available vessel able to operate on this service. When she is available this winter, she will carry passengers on key peak sailings on the route and be on standby during other periods.

“Details and dates of her deployment are still being finalised, but will be similar to last year.

“Looking past this winter, the Scottish Government remains committed to continuing to work with the Gourock Dunoon Ferry Services Steering Group and the wider community to find suitable long term solutions to improve the present service.” The return of MV Coruisk has been backed by Gourock councillor and chair of the Clyde Ferry Users’ Group, Chris McEleny.

He said: “This is a welcome announcement for those that commute on a daily basis and will give them more certainty each day.”