1. .

Timetable Misalignment With ScotRail Services.

The ferry service is intended to connect with rail services at Gourock. However, current scheduling fails to achieve this.

For example:

The 1835 train from Glasgow Central arrives at Gourock at 19:15 then the 19:15 Dunoon ferry departs at the exact same time

This makes it impossible for commuters to make the connection, forcing them to wait until 20:15 for the next sailing.

This is not a minor inconvenience — it adds one hour of unnecessary delay to daily travel, impacting workers, students, and essential travellers.

2. 

Excessive Cancellations and Service Reliability

Between 2020 and 2025, CalMac recorded 6,670 cancellations, averaging 3.6 cancellations per day.

This level of disruption is unacceptable for a lifeline service relied upon by residents, commuters, and visitors. Frequent cancellations undermine confidence in public transport, increase travel costs, and cause significant hardship for those who depend on the route.

3. 

Lack of Adequate Replacement Transport

CalMac previously offered tickets for Western Ferries when their own service was disrupted. This option has now been removed.

Furthermore, replacement buses or alternative arrangements are only provided when both boats are cancelled, meaning passengers can be left waiting hours for the next available sailing — even when only one vessel is out of service.

4.

First‑Hand Passenger Impact

Many passengers, including myself, have experienced repeated delays, missed connections, and extended waiting times due to timetable misalignment and cancellations. These issues have real consequences: missed work shifts, childcare complications, financial losses, and reduced access to essential services.

We Request the Following Actions:

Immediate review and correction of the timetable to ensure proper alignment with ScotRail services at Gourock.

A reliability improvement plan addressing the high rate of cancellations.

Restoration of alternative travel arrangements, including ticket acceptance on Western Ferries during disruptions.

Conclusion

The Dunoon–Gourock ferry is a vital transport link. Its current timetable and reliability issues place an unfair burden on the community. We urge CalMac and Transport Scotland to take swift, meaningful action to restore confidence in this essential service.