ON Monday, you published a picture of a fleet of new hybrid ferries that will operate on the River Thames ("Ferries for the future", The Herald August 19). This followed an interesting feature by Teddy Jamieson ("Why aren’t we doing more with the River Clyde?", Herald Magazine, August 17). Could the Clyde itself not be considered as an unused asset that could aid transport infrastructure for the communities along its banks? A similar but smaller design of hybrid catamaran than those built for the Thames, that had a lower air draught that would allow passage under the various bridges that now cross the river, including the newer ones at Govan and Renfrew with no need to open them, should be possible.
Also, I believe that this ferry type is fast and the hulls do not create a sizeable wash. Landing pontoons already exist at the Broomielaw, the SSEC, the BBC and at Braehead. Others could be created at various locations and if the River Cart is still navigable, then perhaps a terminus pontoon to serve Glasgow Airport could be an option at lesser cost than a light rail system to link the airport with the city.
I noticed in your caption on Monday that the Thames ferries were built in the Isle of Wight. Perhaps a Scottish yard could be found to design and build a suitable ferry type. The yard at Ardmaliesh comes to mind.
Such a service would need the input of private operators and I wonder if this could attract operators such as the Easdale Brothers to supplement their bus operatio.