The former operators of what was one of Scotland's oldest ferry crossings has floated the possibility of returning the service to operation due to a months-long bridge closure.
The former operators of what was one of Scotland's oldest ferry crossings have floated the possibility of returning the service to operation due to a months-long bridge closure.
Renfrewshire Council confirmed this week that Renfrew Bridge will be closed for "several months" after it suffered extensive damage during Storm Boelo.
The storm significantly damaged the electronic systems controlling the hydraulics on the Renfrew side of the bridge.
The £117m crossing, which links Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank, opened in May 2025 and is frequently used by locals to reach the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Braehead Shopping Centre and Glasgow Airport.
With cross-river travel severely disrupted for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, locals have contacted The Renfrew Ferry's former operators to suggest it get back up and running.
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The former operators then posted an update on social media to explore a revival of the service - which crossed the Clyde for more than 200 years before it made its final crossing on May 31, 2025 - roughly three weeks after the bridge opened.
The post on The Renfrew Ferry's Facebook page read: "The ferry has been part of Renfrew's history for generations, and with the bridge currently out of action, it's got people talking about the possibility of bringing a ferry service back to the Clyde.
"I'm not committing to anything, but I wondered whether there's enough community interest to explore the idea of a Crowdfunder to help get a new boat operating.
"Could local people and businesses come together to make something like this happen?
"Would you support a community effort to bring the Renfrew Ferry back? Would you be willing to contribute a few pounds towards it if it proved possible?
"This is just an idea at this stage, but if there's enough interest, perhaps it's something worth looking into."
A follow-up post a few hours later added: "With the bridge expected to be closed for months, discussions are beginning around the possibility of bringing the Renfrew Ferry back into service.
A feasibility study is being explored to establish what's possible, with opportunities around transport, tourism, heritage, education and jobs for young people.
Local businesses, community groups, politicians, potential sponsors, entertainers and anyone with ideas or expertise are invited to get in touch.
"Nothing is confirmed yet. The aim is to bring people together, explore the possibilities and see what's achievable.
"Could the Renfrew Ferry return? Let's start the conversation!"
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The Renfrew Ferry first began operating in 1790 and was a crucial transport link for workers in the shipbuilding industry, particularly when shipbuilding on the Clyde was at its peak.
A busy car ferry from 1950 until 1963 when the Clyde Tunnel opened to traffic a few miles upstream, it reverted to a passenger-only service in 1984.
SPT operated a subsidized passenger ferry service until 2010, before the ferry was taken over by private operator Clydelink (Silvers Marine).
The ferry, which was funded purely by passenger fares, sailed seven days a week between 6.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays and 10am and 6.30pm on weekends.
Shortly after it ceased operations in May last year, a petition was launched to save it and "protect River Clyde heritage". To date, the petition has received over 2,200 signatures.
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire Labour councillors have called for a special council meeting to investigate the closure of Renfrew Bridge alongside the failure to activate Renfrew's flood defences during Storm Boelo.
Labour group leader Iain McMillan said residents and businesses already dealing with the aftermath of flooding in Renfrew would be concerned to learn that water ingress had also severely affected a key component of the major infrastructure project.
"Everyone understands that severe weather can put pressure on infrastructure," he said.
"However, residents and businesses already reeling from the damage caused when the River Clyde burst through on Saturday due to flood defence systems not being activated will be shocked to learn that a key operational component of a £117 million bridge has suffered such extensive damage from water ingress that the bridge must now close for months."