Wemyss Bay Harbour improvement work

Temporary closure arrangements

Improvement work at Wemyss Bay Harbour is starting on October 1 for a period of around 24 weeks.

During this time the harbour will be closed and a temporary diverted vehicle and passenger service will operate between Rothesay and Gourock.

Currently the harbour includes a 1970s concrete pier end, 1980s timber fendering and 1970s vehicle linkspan structure. All have now reached the stage where major refurbishment works are required to secure the long term future of the port.

"While this work will cause some unavoidable inconvenience it is necessary to secure the long term future of the port facility, said CalMac's, director of operations, Drew Collier.

"We have put in place what we believe is the best possible alternative route to minimise disruption.

Fifty six sailings per week will run from Rothesay to Gourock. There will be no impact on the Argyll Ferries timetable to Dunoon.

Work includes replacement of the existing timber fenders, refurbishment of the linkspan, reconstruction of the 1970s concrete pier end and installation of corrosion protection to the whole pier.

The harbour will also be dredged as part of the project which will give berthing vessels greater flexibility in bad weather.

"Although all options were looked at, including short term closures and night working. An extended closure was seen to be the best option for minimising disruption," added Mr Collier.

New Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) fares for the route are being brought forward to coincide with the start of the diversion. Details of the new fares and conditions and temporary timetable can be found here.  Details of the temporary diversion will be advertised extensively in ports and rail stations.

The work is being carried out by port owners, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited.

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