MSP's support call for Cumbrae over drop in visitor numbers

This week, the Labour MSP put questions on the support islanders and island businesses on Cumbrae can expect from the Scottish Government to SNP Minister Jim Fairlie.

Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark asked the minister in the Holyrood chamber specifically what support and engagement islanders on Cumbrae can expect from the government given the decline in passengers and visitors using the Largs to Cumbrae ferry.

It has come to light from research obtained by the Ferry Users Group on Cumbrae that passenger numbers using the ferry have dropped from 787,000 passengers in 2019 to an average of 624,200 passengers per year in the last five years since, a drop of 21 per cent.

MSP Katy Clark (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Fairlie said: "Through the islands programme alone, more than £1.7 million has been invested in critical infrastructure on Cumbrae since 2021-22.

"In addition, more than £400,000 has been invested through our carbon neutral islands project, which works alongside Cumbrae’s communities to reduce local emissions, since 2022-23.

"We are also co-funding senior islands officers in North Ayrshire Council to support the implementation of the Cumbrae local island plan.

"We will continue to work with Cumbrae and other islands to inform the new national islands plan."

Ferry disruption has caused a drop in number of visitors to Millport new research has found (Image: Newsquest)

Katy Clark MSP said “ While I didn’t expect the minister to provide me with a huge amount of detail the continued failure of Scottish Government departments to work together to deliver a plan for example to ensure there are adequate ferries when there are special events is disappointing.

"It is simply not acceptable to have him respond to legitimate concern from Cumbrae residents about the drop in tourists visiting the island and the problems caused by less reliable ferries and increased fares with a boast about a flood defence scheme.

"This response is tone deaf to what islanders are asking for which is more support to bring investment onto the island and a more reliable ferry service.

"I will continue to push the Scottish Government to provide my constituents on Cumbrae with the support that they need and to listen to what they are saying."