Minute of Clyde Ferry Users Group Meeting (FUG) (Arran ... - Hitrans

The new operator will commence service operation on 30th June2011.Cllr Bruce Marshall expressed disappointment on behalf of thepeople of Cowal that this process has been undertaken in themiddle of the summer season which has meant that CaledonianMacBrayne have only been able to produce timetables running toend June 2011. This has caused uncertainty for the tourism sector.Richard advised that the timescale has been set by the EC and thatthe SG commenced the process in November 2009 in response tothe EC directive.A general Group discussion followed on tender process.Action – Consideration will be given to holding a special meeting ofthe Clyde Ferry User Group once the contract award process hasbeen completed.ITEM 4:Milk Transportation from Bute Creamery – update by Argyll andBute CouncilCouncillor Scoullar confirmed that the Bute Creamery has nowclosed. Arrangements have been in place for First milk to relieveadditional transport burdens for the Bute dairy industry.Ninian McAllister added that First Milk have provided islandproducers with the same price as mainland farmers. This level pricehas helped but there is still a concern that producing milk in Butecosts about 12% more than on the mainland. Ninian concluded thatwe need to continue to develop ways of ensuring milk production onBute remains viable.Cllr Margie Currie added that food security must be borne in mind,and that in the event that the ability to produce our own foodstuffs islost it will be very difficult to re-establish the ability to produce.ITEM 5:Caledonian MacBrayne Operational UpdateBrian Fulton and Robbie Brown reported on routes within their areaand provided the group with performance reports for the periodOctober 2010 – 24 th March 2011.Brian and Robbie each presented their area report providinginformation on reliability and punctuality of routes covered withinthe group.