A grassroots action group - formed to relay traveller concerns - has been left out of a government visit to discuss ongoing ferry concerns as the transport minister Graeme Dey is to visit the Isle of Arran today [September 17]
The minister is to hear the concerns of some residents and businesses over the ongoing ferry issues which have blighted the summer season.
Frequent ferry cancellations have caused headaches for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Problems have included last-minute cancellations from guests who can't get on the island and complications of guests not being able to leave.
And for residents, many of who are elderly, who might be waiting to see a consultant or hospital appointment, now face difficulties and expense to arrange accommodation off the island a day or two before the appointment, because of the risk of travelling on the day.
Despite these issues, grassroots campaigners Arran Ferry Action Group who represent around 1300 residents and frequent travellers on the Ardrossan-Brodick route - one of CalMac's busiest services - have claimed today they were not invited to speak with the minister on his visit to the island.
Read More: Arran Ferry: Police called on CalMac stranded passengers | HeraldScotland
Chris Atkins, secretary of the Arran Ferry Action Group, told BBC Good Morning Scotland this morning how the 'grassroots' group have been left out of today's formalities. He said: "Our main concern is that there isn't a good enough dialogue between those who are islanders and the people who are making decisions.
"Our group was formed in 2019, we have 1300 island residents and frequent travellers who are supporting our actions and our attempt to get the better dialogue.
"We write and write and invite to get ministers to come meet with us to discuss those problems and they just don't respond.
"Our concerns are that mistakes are going to be repeated and money is going to be wasted and meanwhile residents and businesses are seriously affected by the ageing fleet and we want to see something done about it."
When asked about what was known about today's Government meeting Chris said: "He is meeting with select people and not with the grassroots opinion that we represent.
"He is starting off with taking a tour of our new Brodick ferry terminal which is a rather sparkling and oversized building that cost twice what it was budgeted and has resulted in a less reliable ferry service as a result of expenditure.
"The disruption is caused by a combination of factors, the age of the vessel makes it difficult to keep these old ferries afloat.
"But the new pier is 90 degrees orientated from the old one, which means when the wind is travelling in an unfavourable direction, the boat can't come in.
"That causes huge problems as we have a wonderful island with lots of tourism and lots of need for transport but it can't be satisfied.
"We want to see that not repeated in Ardrossan."
Campaigners are calling for more awareness of the current problems ahead of the delayed Glen Sannox, destined for the Arran route, which was originally due to enter service in 2018/19.
It is now expected to be handed over between July and September next year - 15 weeks later than expected.
However, Chris warned of how little communication of the future infrastructure work at both Ardrossan and Troon still needing to be done before the Glen Sannox can come into operation. He continued: "We are about to face this new huge - late- Glen Sannox ferry arriving, and it is so big that it needs port infrastructure to be able to leave from Ardrossan. That work hasn't begun.
"We want to know why it hasn't begun, why isn't the funding in place?
"Why hasn't the work at Troon - which is going to be used whilst Ardrossan is being altered - why hasn't that begun?
"What is the timetable? The population just feel they are being kept in the dark. We just don't know what is being done.
The government told the BBC: "We acknowledge the fleet is ageing, it is looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve the resilience of the service.
"It is looking at the short term charter of the MV Arrow on the Stornoway to Ullapool as an example of that."
Chris responded: "This is a move in the right direction but we need more of it."
Transport Scotland has been approached for comment and this story will be updated in response.
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