Cumbrae Community Council

09/06/2026

The message below is from the LiriC Interconnector Project Team.

The LirIC Interconnector Project will formally launch its statutory pre-application community consultation on 15th June 2026. We invite consultees and local communities to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share their views. This is your opportunity to discuss any aspects of the development that matter to you.

The 142km LirIC Interconnector is a proposed HVDC subsea electricity link between Kilroot in the Belfast region of Northern Ireland and Hunterston in North Ayrshire, Scotland. We believe the insight of local consultees and nearby communities can help us design and deliver the project in the most socially and environmentally sensitive way.

This first phase of consultation will run from 15th June to 24th July 2026. We’re seeking feedback on our onshore and offshore proposals, lessons learned from previous local projects, and how we can create lasting benefits for local communities. A second public consultation in autumn 2026 will explain how we’ve responded to your comments.

If you can’t attend an in-person event, a virtual exhibition will be available from 15th June 2026 where you can review the consultation materials, learn more about our proposals, and submit comments and feedback. https://consultationspace.com/LirICInterconnector/Consultation.html

This stage of the statutory pre-application community consultation will run until 24th July 2026.

Village Hall West Kilbride
1 Arthur Street,
West Kilbride,
KA23 9EN
Thursday 25th June
2pm – 7.30pm

07/06/2026

CUMBRAE FERRY CHANGES: THE REACTION IS UNANIMOUS

Cumbrae Community Council recently held CalMac to account for changing the Largs–Cumbrae timetable without a proper impact assessment. Because of this pressure, CalMac was forced to run a consultation.

We have analysed all 54 submissions from local residents and businesses. The results are clear, predictable, and deeply concerning.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID
The feedback shows unanimous criticism. Our community feels frustrated, anxious, and completely ignored. The new timetable is described as unreliable, confusing, less frequent, and actively harmful to island life.

The data highlights severe, negative impacts across the board -
Healthcare: Medical access is being compromised.
Work: Commuters are losing valuable time, income, and reliability.
Travel: Bus-ferry connections have completely broken down.
Economy: Tourism and local businesses are suffering.
Capacity: Queues are worsening and capacity issues are growing.
Care: Older and vulnerable residents are being disproportionately affected.
Trust: There is a total breakdown of trust in CalMac and Transport Scotland.

THE LAW IS CLEAR
The ferry is our lifeline. These harsh realities prove that an Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) should have been done before any changes were made, in accordance with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

WHAT WE ARE DEMANDING
Cumbrae Community Council is calling for a full, legally-compliant ICIA. We are demanding that CalMac:

1️⃣ Reassesses the timetable in light of these community impacts.
2️⃣ Seriously considers alternative options.
3️⃣ Identifies and implements immediate improvements and mitigation measures.
4️⃣ Demonstrates genuine, meaningful engagement with our island community.

For the full Cumbrae Community Council summary report see:
https://cumbrae.org/2026%20_June_Ferry_timetable_impact.html

Our voices must be heard. Share this post to spread the word and support the fight for our lifeline service!

Summary of the written representations to the ICIA review

07/06/2026

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of an open structure, two enclosed outbuildings, and 2 sheds at The Old Church on Bute Terrace. You can view the application and make comments on North Ayrshire’s planning portal at:

29/05/2026

A planning application has been submitted to North Ayrshire Council for the installation of an outdoor barrel sauna at 14C Bute Terrace. You can view the application and make comments on North Ayrshire’s planning portal at

23/05/2026

You are cordially invited to this month’s meeting of Cumbrae Community Council.

The meeting will be held on Thursday 28 May, from 6-7pm. It will be on zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85971422973

There will also be a hybrid option at the Cumbrae Forum Hub.
Last month's minutes are on our website at https://cumbrae.org/CCC_Minutes.html

17/05/2026

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a detached house at Wee Minnemoer (the curling pond) and for the demolition of the existing single storey stone building. You can view the application and make comments on North Ayrshire’s planning portal at:

16/05/2026

🚧 Upcoming Roadworks: Glasgow Street Sewer Repairs 🚧

Hi everyone, essential waste water service improvements are coming soon to a damaged sewer pipe under Glasgow Street.

📅 When: Monday 25th May 2026 to approx Monday 22nd June.
Daily hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

🚗 Parking restrictions active along the work zone on Glasgow Street.
Pavements kept open for pedestrians.
Resident access will be maintained at all times.

💧 Services: Water & drainage: unaffected in your kitchen and bathroom.
Bin collection: Put your bins out on your normal days.

10/05/2026

20 MPH LIMIT IN MILLPORT

The 20 mile per hour limit is now in force in town.

We have been told by North Ayrshire Council that the contractor will start work putting up the signs from 19 May and lasting 2 days.

09/05/2026

SECOND HOME COUNCIL TAX

Thank you to the 346 people who gave us feedback on the very real impacts of the 100% council tax premium on second homes. We put the survey together when we found out that North Ayrshire Council had decided to limit its monitoring to 'movement in property status'.

Our survey shows that the policy is having significant unintended social and economic consequences, with limited confidence that its objectives are being achieved.

The policy is already influencing behaviour, particularly in reduced spending, weakened community cohesion, and reconsideration of long-term engagement with the island.

- 89% of respondents rated the impact of the policy as negative.
- 57% believed it will result in fewer new permanent residents.
- Only 12% agreed it will free up homes for working families.
- 83% of second homeowners have reduced their spending on the island.
- The total negative impact on the island’s economy is likely to be more than
£450,000. The island has a total economic output of just £12.9 million.

We have shared the findings with Ayrshire Council and asked for their response.

To read the full detail of the survey click here.
https://cumbrae.org/2026_May_Council_tax_impact_survey_results.html

06/05/2026

The following licensing application has been submitted to North Ayrshire Council by Luca’s, 15 Stuart Street:

“Add Outdoor Drinking Area. Add Off sales from 11am-10pm, 7 days. Amend terminal hour to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and to 1am Thursday to Saturday. Amend Seasonal Opening in line with Board's Policy. Add live performances and televised sport. increase the on-sales capacity figure from 36 to 66 (46 internal, 20 external). The off-sales capacity figure is 0m2.”

Any objections and/or representations must be made by email by 22 May to: [email protected]