Question reference: S4W-29092
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 21 December 2015
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Current status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 6 January 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to ensure that any charges for the use of Gourock pier and harbour and by Argyll and Bute Council for the use of Dunoon linkspan and pier are commensurate with the Scottish Government policy to encourage the development and maintenance of regular ferry services to Dunoon.
Answer
Harbour dues are a matter for the harbour authorities, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and Argyll and Bute Council. Harbour authorities have a statutory duty to charge reasonable harbour charges for the operation, improvement and maintenance of the facilities they control. The Scottish Government has however agreed to engage with CMAL on the level of harbour dues at Gourock for the next tendered contract. The Scottish Government will also engage with Argyll and Bute Council on the level of harbour charges at Dunoon. The outputs will be fed into the invitation to tender for the next Gourock-Dunoon town centre ferry service contract.