George Leslie attended CMAL’s Public Engagement Event for the Cumbrae slipway project as the main construction work begins this month.
The drop-in event, which was held at Garrison House in Millport on Thursday, 15 January, provided an invaluable opportunity for the local community to better understand the construction timelines and ask questions of George Leslie and CMAL.
The existing slipway is reaching the end of its service life. A new slipway and a larger marshalling area has been included in the works. The project will also see the addition of an enclosed, heated building with staff and public welfare facilities which will be completed after the demolition of the old slipway.
More than 25 people attended the event, and while feedback was largely positive with many “happy to see the slipway being upgraded” believing work is “long overdue”, attendees also highlighted several concerns.
One local resident said: “Are George Leslie going to be careful with the weight of the vehicles boarding the ferry? In phase one of the works, how do I know I’m not going to be stuck behind lots of George Leslie vehicles?”
This concern was echoed by other attendees and local businesses. It relates to disruption on the busy CalMac route two years ago, when large vehicles damaged both ferry ramps while another contractor was working on the island.
Residents also highlighted potential congestion near the ferry as being another concern while work is underway. Another attendee said: “My biggest worry is with congestion in the marshalling area.”
Minimising disruption is a priority for both George Leslie and CMAL. To do so, heavy plant and equipment for the works will be delivered using a landing craft vessel. Some materials such as concrete and asphalt will require the use of the ferry. However, ferry use will be restricted to avoid peak hours and minimise the number of vehicle spaces used each day.
Project Manager Jordan McCluskey was among those in attendance representing George Leslie. He said: “The Cumbrae project presents a number of challenges that are unique compared to previous CMAL works. The ferry service operates at a much higher frequency than most other routes, with sailings every 15 minutes during the summer, requiring careful planning of site traffic management.
In addition, the service operates on a ‘Turn Up and Go’ basis, meaning deliveries cannot be booked onto specific sailings. This creates particular challenges during the busy summer period, especially for time-critical deliveries such as concrete.
Each phase of the works has therefore been carefully coordinated to address these constraints, while still delivering infrastructure that will support the island’s long-term connectivity.”
Phase 1 of the project involves constructing a new slipway to the south of the existing one. This work will take approximately nine months, with completion estimated for Late 2026. A new waiting shelter for pedestrians will also be partially constructed during this phase.
Phase 2 will see the demolition of the old slipway, which will take around four months and will conclude Early 2027. In this phase, George Leslie will also construct new bus stops and pedestrian waiting areas. Road raising works and new footways at car parks will also be completed at this stage.
