QUANGO chiefs look set to scrap the linkspan at Gourock Ferry Terminal as part of a major redevelopment project — just 17 months after spending £2m of taxpayers' cash on it.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has hired an engineering firm to design a revamped harbour which is to include a 'new linkspan', the Telegraph can reveal.

The move comes following the recent significant investment in what CMAL termed last year as 'life-extending measures' for the existing structure.

Gourock's boat steps, used by the Kilcreggan ferry, could also go under the plans to reshape the terminal — after £450,000 was spent on them in 2021.

Following enquiries by the Telegraph, Port Glasgow-based quango CMAL confirmed that a 'new linkspan berth' is part of the 'current preferred option'.

CMAL has appointed engineering firm Mott MacDonald to complete detailed design work for the revamp following a public engagement survey which received a total of 25 responses.

Pressed about the linkspan — which is used by the cancellation-plagued Gourock-Dunoon passenger ferries and as a poor weather port for Arran and Bute services — a CMAL spokeswoman said: "No decision has been made yet regarding the Gourock linkspan or the Kilcreggan steps.

"This will be part of the tender bids.

"It should be noted, however, that work to the linkspan and steps were part of essential maintenance to ensure a continuation of a reliable service."

MV Argyll Flyer and MV Ali Cat — which ply the Gourock-Dunoon route — have racked up around 15,000 cancelled sailings since coming into service in 2011.

CMAL announced last December that the secondhand boats operated by Caledonian MacBrayne are to be replaced with new vessels.

The Telegraph understands that the ferry terminal redevelopment is to include new berths for the Dunoon and Kilcreggan services as well as a new linkspan.

New quay walls will provide layover berths for vessels and there will be upgrades to power, water and drainage installations as well as new waiting room facilities, a revised layout for access roads, parking and vehicle marshalling.

The existing office building which CMAL says is 'currently occupied by Caledonian MacBrayne' is to be retained.

Contractor Mott MacDonald is to establish design requirements to be included in tender documents to be issued to firms bidding for the work.

CMAL said: "To help inform the plans, both land and marine side ground investigation works will take place from tomorrow for 12 weeks at Gourock Ferry Terminal.

"These will be co-ordinated with the ferry timetable to minimise disruption."

Graeme McGinty, senior project manager at CMAL, said: "Following public engagement, we have established a preferred option for the terminal redevelopment.

"This programme is set to deliver a more resilient ferry service for the community, and it's great to be progressing with the terminal development portion of the project."

CMAL yesterday reiterated a statement issued in March last year that work on the existing linkspan was 'a significant investment in life-extending measures to improve the resilience of the infrastructure until the ferry terminal undergoes significant redevelopment as part of our wider programme'.

CMAL added: "This work was always intended as an interim solution."