Renfrewshire CouncilThe Renfrew Ferry could be gearing up for a return after a £117m bridge built to replace it was closed due to storm damage.
The ferry operated for over 240 years and provided a crossing over the Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker.
In May 2025, the Renfrew Bridge opened, replacing the ferry service and allowing cars, pedestrians, and cyclists to cross, whilst also swinging open to allow boats to pass through.
However, following Storm Boelo at the weekend, the bridge was closed due to extensive water damage to the electrical systems which operate the bridge’s hydraulics.
Renfrewshire Council announced that the bridge would be closed for months while repairs were carried out.
Due to a legal obligation, the bridge will remain open to river traffic, effectively preventing any crossings.
Following the closure, a potential return of the ferry service could be on the table, according to the owner’s post on social media.
While not committing to anything, the owner said people had been in touch to ask if the ferry could be reinstated.
The post read: “With the news that Renfrew Bridge is now closed following the recent flooding, people have been getting in touch asking what’s happened to the Renfrew Ferry and whether there’s any chance of getting it back up and running.
“The ferry has been part of Renfrew’s history for generations, and with the bridge currently out of action, it’s got people talking about the possibility of bringing a ferry service back to the Clyde.
“I’m not committing to anything, but I wondered whether there’s enough community interest to explore the idea of a crowdfunder to help get a new boat operating.”
In a further update, it was announced a feasibility study to bring the ferry back would be launched and that the organisers were looking for people to assist them.
They added: “We’re looking to bring together a wee team of people with different skills and experience to help us explore the possibility of getting the ferry operating again.
“This is about building a community-led initiative, bringing the right people together and properly investigating what’s possible. There’s no guarantee the ferry will return, but we think it’s worth giving it a proper go.”
It is unknown what regulations and guidelines the ferry would need to adhere to if it were to return or a possible timeline.
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