The Overland Route Company was formed with the aim of providing an alternative and more frequent ferry link between Islay, Jura and the mainland of Argyll.
The Company has one hundred and fifty shareholders, a seven strong Board of Directors drawn mainly from Islay business persons and a Technical Director based on the mainland.
Why do we need another ferry system? For the first time, the new service will provide frequency, flexibility and choice. There will be many benefits for Islay and Jura, both social and economic and the vastly improved access to both islands will help check the declining population. The short passage time will be a boon to travellers and will result in a more competitive fare structure.
How will the Overland Route affect the present ferry service? Experience has shown that additional ferry services increase the total traffic carried. The new ferry service is for cars and small vans only and both the existing and the new service will complement each other.
How will the new service be financed? The Company's share capital and Directors' loans have been used to prepare and submit a Planning Application. When Planning Permission is granted some additional funds will be required from shareholders. Arrangements have already been made for the chartering of a new vessel. The cost of the terminals may be financed by Private Finance Initiatives, Public or European Funding.
Are there environmental objections to the new route? The Company's advisers, The EnviroCentre, have consulted with both Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland and are resolving the environmental issues which affect the roads, terminals and seabed.
How often will the ferries run? At least twelve times a day on a one hour round trip basis. See timetable below
What is the fare structue likely to be? Fares will be competitively priced and the most obvious savings will be for Jura residents.
What about the Jura/Knapdale single track roads? The traffic projected is well within the capacity of these roads, which will easily cope with the estimated three cars per hour in each direction with a maximim of twelve at peak times.
What size of vessel will be used? A modern, seakindly, twin hulled vessel 34 metres long by 15 metre beam, of twelve car capacity and capable of a speed of 12-15 knots, resulting in a thirty minute service each way.
What about the concerns of the Jura and Knapdale residents? The maximum traffic will not exceed twelve cars in each direction per hour. Traffic calming arrangements will be used to minimise the need for vehicles rushing to catch a ferry. Vehicles will not need to arrive at the ferry terminal more than a few minutes before departure time and drivers will know in advance which particular crossing has space for their vehicle. Arrangements wil be made to prevent the offloading line of vehicles meeting oncoming traffic. Ten new ferry related jobs will be generated in the area.
How will the service benefit the islands' families? Making our islands truly accessible to the mainland at least twelve hours per day, three hundred and fifty five days per year will generate all sorts of possibilites for individuals, voluntary groups, school parties and both large and small businesses alike.
What public bodies have indicated their support for the new service? Over 2500 individuals on both islands have shown their support for the new ferry service. Argyll and Islands Enterprise, Argyll and Bute Council, the Tourist Board and the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which met recently on Islay, are all in favour.
How much progress has been made with the Overland Route to date? The Company's proposals have been submitted for Planning approval as part of the many new transoprt activities taking place throughout the Highlands and Islands. With new thinking by the Government on transport, the Company is confident that planning approval will be granted.
I am in favour of the new ferry service. How can I help? Make your support known to our two local Argyll & Bute Councillors and write to George Lyon and Duncan Hamilton at the Scottish Parliament, the Mound, Edinburgh, seeking their active support for the Overland Route. |