IT was the end of an era on the Clyde as the last vehicle-carrying ferry travelled from Dunoon to Gourock.

Saturn made the final journey on Wednesday night with plenty of passengers and cars on board to mark the occasion.

Throughout the evening there was the sound of ship’s horns and whistles as vessels – including paddle steamer Waverley – bid farewell to Saturn and the vehicle-service.

At 6.20am today (Thursday), the new order took over as passenger-only Ali Cat, pictured below, set off from Gourock, the first journey in the Argyll Ferries operation. (Ali Cat is no stranger to the route have been hired by Cal-Mac for peak time passenger-only sailings for some years)

Two passenger ferries – the MV Argyll Flyer and MV Ali Cat – have been purchased by David MacBrayne Ltd to operate on the route however MV Clyde Clipper will operate on the route until MV Argyll Flyer is prepared to enter service.

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Argyll Ferries, a subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd, say the new arrangement gives people travelling to and from Cowal a “greatly-enhanced town centre to town centre service” with improved connectivity with rail services at Gourock.

The vehicle and passenger service had been subject to operating restrictions for about 30 years but these have now been removed and an enhanced timetable has been introduced which will provide a more frequent service, from early in the morning until late at night. On Friday and Saturday nights services will run until after 1am.

Phil Preston, managing director of Argyll Ferries Ltd, said: “It has been our privilege to provide a ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon, for many years through Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and since 2006 as Cowal Ferries Ltd. We are delighted to be given this opportunity to continue our connections with the route. We always believed that we were proposing the best possible service within the terms of the tender so are delighted to now be launching it and are sure it will encourage many people to leave their cars at home and take advantage of excellent public transport links to destinations across the Central belt and beyond. We look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”

Des Bradley, ScotRail’s Transport Integration Manager, said: “The improved ferry timetable offers people in Cowal an excellent incentive to leave their cars behind and take advantage of services between Gourock and Glasgow. Existing customers can enjoy even more opportunities for travel – for business or pleasure. And with our new fleet of Class 380s in operation between Glasgow and Gourock, customers can experience a comfortable journey without the hassle of traffic jams and parking.”

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