Isle of Cumbrae residents renew calls for CalMac to abandon proposed cuts to ferry services

Residents of the Isle of Cumbrae have renewed their calls for ferry operator CalMac to cancel proposed cuts to services.

CalMac, which operates sailings between Cumbrae and Largs, plans to reduce sailings by 25% from March to address safety concerns with the current timetable.

The ferry currently operates up to four times an hour, but tight turnaround times mean vehicles and foot passengers embark and disembark simultaneously.

CalMac says this has led to a number of near misses, some of which they believe could have had serious consequences.

However, locals have warned that the timetable changes will threaten jobs, tourism and access to healthcare.

They say the reductions risk triggering what they have termed the “Cumbrae Clearances” – a gradual erosion of jobs, businesses and population caused by reduced connectivity.

Hundreds of islanders turned out on January 24 in Millport to oppose the plans and demand meaningful consultation.

Cumbrae Community Council's Angus Campbell — Cumbrae Community Council’s Angus Campbell STV News

CalMac have now agreed to meet with the Ferry Committee in late February.

Angus Campbell, chair of the Cumbrae Ferry Committee, said: “We warned in January that these proposals threatened our island’s future – and those concerns remain. Despite hundreds of people protesting and ministers stepping in, the community is still waiting for real answers.

“A sustained 25% cut in capacity during the busiest months risks long queues, lost visitors and serious economic damage.”

Campaigners also continue to raise concerns that no formal Islands Community Impact Assessment (ICIA) or full impact analysis has been produced, despite the scale of the proposed changes and their potential consequences for the island’s economy and population sustainability.

The Ferry Committee is now calling on Scottish ministers to instruct CalMac to cancel the proposed capacity reductions for summer 2026; maintain service levels equivalent to summer 2025 until a proper consultation is completed; ensure full compliance with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, and work with the Cumbrae community to develop sustainable, community-focused ferry solutions.

Mr Campbell added: “The people of Cumbrae have spoken clearly – through public protest, direct engagement and constructive dialogue. We are ready to work with Government and CalMac, but the community must be listened to.

“Without urgent action, we risk long-term damage to our island – what many now fear could become the Cumbrae Clearances.”

Fleet management director Louis De Wolff previously told STV that continuing the current timetable is no longer safe.

“We’ve had a significant number of near misses, some very serious,” he said. “It’s simply not sustainable to continue operating in this way. Safety has to be the bottom line.”

He added that CalMac understands local concerns and insists the revised timetable will still meet demand.

“We’re always open to talking to communities, and we’ll continue those discussions so people understand why these changes are necessary,” he said.