Written Question · S4W-00599 · Session 4
Whether it considers that the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route from McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay is eligible to be treated as a public ser…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route from McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay is eligible to be treated as a public service route under the European Union’s maritime cabotage regulations 1992.
The answer
Any Scottish Government involvement in ferry services has to satisfy the legal requirements of the European Commission’s maritime cabotage regulation and state aid rules.
Under the terms of these rules the Scottish Government can only intervene to ensure the provision of ferry services in circumstances where the market has failed to provide an adequate service. Western Ferries operates an extensive vehicle and passenger service from McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay, so there is no market failure. Consequently there is no legal basis for any Scottish Government involvement in the McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay ferry route.
Under the terms of these rules the Scottish Government can only intervene to ensure the provision of ferry services in circumstances where the market has failed to provide an adequate service. Western Ferries operates an extensive vehicle and passenger service from McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay, so there is no market failure. Consequently there is no legal basis for any Scottish Government involvement in the McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay ferry route.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-00599 by reference.