A LEADING island businessman has claimed passenger restrictions and failing ferries are costing the local economy millions of pounds.

Social distancing on services has meant reduced numbers crossing to Cumbrae, with long queues to board on busy days also hitting tourism hard.

The problem has been exasperated by service shutdowns due to Covid-19, technical faults and staff shortages - with local firms saying the failings are hitting them in the pocket after a challenging year.

Millport businessman Scott Ferris has now written to CalMac, local councillors and MSP Kenneth Gibson demanding an improved ferry service for the island.

Scott, who owns Mapes of Millport cycle and toy shop, said "With this week's drop to Level 0, I feel I have to speak out on some statistics really relevant to proven tourism statistics.

"By my count in May the island lost out on approximately 45,000 visitors in comparison to previous Mays, which is a huge blow to local businesses.

"Using VisitScotland data on typical tourism spends, this means the island community has lost a whopping £2,760,000.

"I am waiting to see what June's statistics bring, but I fear it's going to be worse.

"Last Tuesday, I saw three ferries at Largs and only one was in operation. I fully understand staffing issues due to Covid, but in all honesty that is not my, the community or the tourists' problem, it is CalMac's. All other businesses have to bring in temporary staff in time of shortage or find a way around problems.

"This is the only route of transport and their failings are throttling a fragile island community."

Scott says 104,472 people visited the Isle of Cumbrae on May 2018 compared to 61,345 in May 2021.

He said: "VisitScotland estimate each person spends £64 per day, and with 43,000 less visiting in a month, that's a huge loss to absorb."

Scott told the News his blast is aimed at company bosses and not the staff battling to keep the ferries running.

He added: "I think the staff at Largs ferry office do an amazing job under extremely difficult circumstances, this criticism is not directed at them."

Councillor Alex Gallagher, who has the remit for the islands at North Ayrshire Council, said "There is no doubt that islands have lost out. There are two reasons for that, the reliability of the ferry service and because the vessels are running below capacity because of Covid regulations.

"The demand is obviously there and you can't argue with the figures.

"The council recently did a survey on the impact on Arran and we are currently doing a similar study on the Isle of Cumbrae so we are keen to speak to Scott and other businesses who feel that they have been impacted.

"I have every sympathy for businesses on the island and I think Scott is absolutely right to highlight this."

Tommy Gore, Area Operations Manager (Clyde) for CalMac, said: “This past year has been highly unusual thanks to the effects of Covid-19 and the restrictions put in place to help keep people safe. We legally have to comply with the rules regarding physical distancing and the regular cleaning regime is another way in which we can help to stop the infection from spreading.

“We recognise that there is a high demand from visitors travelling to and from Cumbrae, and while restrictions remain for the time being, we must manage this demand as best we can. In fact, our statistics show that there were more people travelling on this route this June compared to the same month in 2019. Occasionally, day tickets have been suspended on particularly busy days so that vessels returning from Cumbrae will have enough space to bring visitors back to Largs.

“I would encourage daytrippers to plan ahead and to travel on less busy crossings.”