Renfrew Ferry saved after firm steps in

A historic ferry service that dates back 500 years has been saved after a company took over the route, it was confirmed today.

The Renfrew Ferry route across the River Clyde will now be operated by Silvers Marine.

In January the service faced the axe after operators Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said they had to save around 2.5 million because of a budget shortfall.

But SPT said a five-year lease had now been agreed following a meeting today.

The Argyll-based company will operate a service under the name Clydelink.

SPT chair Jonathan Findlay said: "There was a range of interest from the commercial sector but we believe Silvers Marine will provide the best service – utilising SPT's slipways – and without any subsidy from the public purse."

The Renfrew to Yoker route provided more than 140,000 passenger journeys a year. SPT's service stops on March 31 and a date has yet to be announced for the start of the new service.