First Sailing

This evening the first new ferry service in Scotland for twenty years - between Ardrossan & Campbeltown - had its inaugural sailing and I was lucky enough to have been asked to represent the Government on the voyage.

On the west coast the day was stormy and there was some doubt as to whether the trip would be possible. However we left only 15 minutes late, seen off by the Millport Pipe Band. We had an excellent meal on board and although the sea conditions were a little rough for the first hour it became much calmer once we were in the lee of Arran.

There was an emotional arrival at Campbeltown with another Pipe Band - this one from the school- and lots of local people who had turned out to wave and cheer. Argyll & Bute Council provided tea and scones as well.

The last ferry between Ardrossan & Campbeltown stopped running in 1939 so David Canon of CalMac was right to observe as we came into Campbeltown Loch that we were the first people to see that view from a ferry for almost 75 years. To be on the boat was a great privilege and - for me as the local Argyll Constituency MSP - the service ( guaranteed for three summers as a trial) is also a great boost and a wonderful tangible investment in the area.