COUNCILLORS are attempting to freeze fares on both the Arran and Cumbrae ferry routes and prevent a price hike.

At tomorrow's North Ayrshire Council meeting, a motion is being put forward by Councillor Cameron Inglis calling for the local authority to write to cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, opposing the current proposal.

The latest move comes after the Scottish Government's decision to impose a 10 per cent increase in ferry fares for 2025-26, which has been lambasted by West Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark and her Conservative counterpart Jamie Greene.

However, constituency MSP Kenneth Gibson, who represents both islands of Arran and Cumbrae, has hit back at Ms Clark and Mr Greene, pointing out that ferry fares are much lower than they were a decade ago.

The motion to be put before elected members at tomorrow afternoon's meeting, has been backed by Councillor Todd Ferguson, who lives on Cumbrae.

The motion states that 'the council notes a significant decline in ferry service levels to Arran and Cumbrae in recent years, and that more sailings are being delayed or cancelled due to the ever-increasing frequency of serious technical issues'.

The motion also points out that more vessels are having to be removed from service due to technical issues causing disruption and chaos for island residents, businesses, and visitors. 

If the motion is passed on Wednesday, the council would then instruct the chief executive to write to the Scottish Government requesting that ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae remain frozen at their current rate for the 2025/26 sailing season.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday afternoon at Cunninghame House at 2pm, and will also be livestreamed. It will be available to view here.