Ferry Services Development Through The Oban Hub

Structure of Presentation  Existing transport services  Transport interventions  Approach to appraisal  Appraisal findings

Existing Transport Services

Geography

Existing Ferry Services (1)  Craignure-distinct from other routes: * Frequency * Crossing time * Length of sailing day  Oban-Islay * Very infrequent * Seasonal * Long crossing time

Existing Ferry Services (2)  Colonsay * Less than daily * Crossing time over 2 hours * Irregular timetable * Most arrivals in Oban are pm  Coll & Tiree * Less than daily in winter * Crossing times over 2½ hours * Service calls at both islands * Early morning departures ex Oban

Existing Ferry Services (3)  Barra & South Uist * Barra less than daily in winter * South Uist less than daily all year round * Crossing times around or over 5 hours * Some sailings direct, some via the other island * Alternative routing via Lochmaddy

Argyll Islands Air Services  Serve Coll, Tiree and Colonsay from Oban  Limited frequency-aims to complement ferry provision  Key strength is offering day return opportunities  Tiree and other islands also served from Glasgow

Transport Interventions

The Transport Interventions TRANSPORT INTERVENTIONS FOR APPRAISAL Transport Intervention Description Reference Case RET fares extended to Oban-Craignure and Oban-Colonsay ferry services ANew port facility on north/west Mull. Castlebay, Lochboisdale, Coll and Tiree ferry traffic routed via Mull rather than direct to/from Oban. Upgraded road connection between new Mull facility and Craignure BFixed link between Coll and Tiree. Oban-Tiree ferry service ceases CMallaig-Lochboisdale service introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale service ceases. Castlebay continues to be served from Oban DMallaig-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services cease EEnhanced Oban-Craignure service, with commuter-oriented timetable and longer sailing day FExtension of Oban-Colonsay air service to Islay GIntroduction of Oban-Barra air service HReduction in air fares on Oban-Coll/Tiree and Oban-Colonsay

Approach to Appraisal

STAG Pre-Appraisal +  Greater detail on economic effects-notably generalised travel costs, although not a full TEE  High level analysis of revenues and costs (operating and capital)  Operational feasibility  Timetabling-frequency and arrival/departure times

Appraisal Findings

Intervention A1: Coll & Tiree Services New port facility on north/west Mull. Coll and Tiree ferry traffic routed via Mull rather than direct to/from Oban. Upgraded road connection between new Mull facility and Craignure

Intervention A1: Coll & Tiree Services: Issues  Along with A2 would place pressure on Oban-Craignure capacity  Basing vessel in Tiree operationally necessary but adds to capital cost  Public acceptability likely to be low  Potential economic benefits: * Tourism-through frequency and link to Mull * Business services between Coll, Tiree and Mull * Fewer overnight stays for business trips * (Possible) reductions in freight charges New port facility on north/west Mull. Coll and Tiree ferry traffic routed via Mull rather than direct to/from Oban. Upgraded road connection between new Mull facility and Craignure

Intervention A2: Barra & South Uist Services New port facility on north/west Mull. Castlebay and Lochboisdale ferry traffic routed via Mull rather than direct to/from Oban. Upgraded road connection between new Mull facility and Craignure

Intervention A2: Barra & South Uist Services: Issues  Along with A1 would place pressure on Oban- Craignure capacity  Public acceptability likely to be low  Potential economic benefits: * Tourism-through increased frequency * Fewer overnight stays for business trips * (Possible) reductions in freight charges New port facility on north/west Mull. Castlebay and Lochboisdale ferry traffic routed via Mull rather than direct to/from Oban. Upgraded road connection between new Mull facility and Craignure

Intervention B: Why No Appraisal Was Undertaken  “Showstopper” environmental designations  Low levels of public acceptability  Likely capital cost  Nevertheless there are potential benefits-ferry service operation and public service delivery Fixed link between Coll and Tiree. Oban-Tiree ferry service ceases

Intervention C Mallaig-Lochboisdale service introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale service ceases. Castlebay continues to be served from Oban

Intervention C: Issues  Would free up additional vessel time to serve Barra-could provide a daily service Oban-Barra sailing  Improved timings and costs for freight traffic-but links have developed via Lochmaddy  Bridge heights on A830 mean that high vehicles would not use the service  Over 60% of residents’ trips do not include an overnight stay in Oban  Over 40% of South Uist visitors spend at least one night in Oban Mallaig-Lochboisdale service introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale service ceases. Castlebay continues to be served from Oban  Potential economic benefits: * Tourism-through increased frequency * Fewer overnight stays for business trips * (Possible) reductions in freight charges

Intervention D Mallaig-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services cease

Intervention D: Issues  An additional vessel may be required  Bridge heights on A830 mean that high vehicles would not use the service  45% of Barra residents’ trips include an overnight stay in Oban  40% of Barra visitors spend at least one night in Oban  Mallaig has fewer services and less visitor accommodation than Oban  Some resistance in terms of public acceptability, although would be welcomed by some freight operators Mallaig-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services introduced. Oban-Lochboisdale/Castlebay ferry services cease  Potential economic benefits: * Tourism-through increased frequency * Fewer overnight stays for business trips * (Possible) reductions in freight charges

Intervention E Enhanced Oban-Craignure service, with commuter-oriented timetable and longer sailing day

Intervention E: Issues  Many impacts derive from the Reference Case  Uplift in vehicle demand would make single vessel operation unworkable  Fast passenger craft not appropriate  Investment may be needed to allow overnight berthing at Craignure  Could provide more sailings to Colonsay-but may be an issue in summer Enhanced Oban-Craignure service, with commuter-oriented timetable and longer sailing day  Potential economic benefits: * Off-island commuting * Growth in tourism * Expanded markets for island businesses * Greater flexibility for freight operators

Intervention F Extension of Oban-Colonsay air service to Islay

Intervention F: Issues  Fare levels a key factor  PSO requirement?  Some Oban-Islay flights could be direct  Daylight only operations reduce time at destination in winter Extension of Oban-Colonsay air service to Islay

Intervention G Introduction of Oban-Barra air service

Intervention G: Issues  Tidal restrictions at Barra Airport  Inter-authority PSO  Fare levels a key factor  Long flight time in a small aircraft  Limited potential demand for trips to Oban and business travel? Introduction of Oban-Barra air service

Intervention H Reduction in air fares on Oban-Coll/Tiree and Oban-Colonsay

Intervention H: Issues  Lack of detailed knowledge of market and constraints on demand-although consultations suggest fare levels are an issue  30% fare reduction could stimulate 21% increase in demand Reduction in air fares on Oban-Coll/Tiree and Oban-Colonsay