Imagine stepping onto a sleek, quiet tram in Port Glasgow and arriving in Dunoon just 40 minutes later โ or cruising all the way south to the seaside town of Largs. No ferry queues, no congested roads, no compromise. What if Inverclyde had more than just trains and busesโฆ what if it had a state-of-the-art tram-train system that extended both under the River Clyde to Dunoon and along the coast to Largs?
It might sound futuristic, but itโs a practical and transformative vision โ one that could redefine travel, work, and tourism along Scotlandโs west coast.
๐ What Is a Tram-Train System?
A tram-train combines the convenience of a tram in urban areas with the speed of a train between towns. Already used in parts of Europe and South Yorkshire, this technology is ideal for connecting smaller communities efficiently without building an entirely new rail network.
๐ค๏ธ The Expanded Proposed Route
Inverclyde Core:
- Port Glasgow
- Greenock East
- Greenock Central
- Greenock West
- Fort Matilda
- Gourock (hub for both tunnel and coastal connections)
๐ฝ Under-Clyde Extension:
- Sub-Clyde Tunnel from Gourock to Hunters Quay
- Dunoon Central
- Sandbank
- (Optional future expansions to Innellan or Ardentinny)
๐ฝ Southward Coastal Line:
- Gourock
- Wemyss Bay
- Skelmorlie
- Largs
- (Possible further connections to Fairlie and West Kilbride)
๐ Why This Matters
๐งญ 1. Seamless, Year-Round Connectivity
- Dunoon gains a fast, weatherproof link to Greenock and Glasgow.
- Largs connects to Inverclyde without relying solely on rural roads or infrequent train services.
- Coastal towns become part of a single, cohesive transport corridor.
๐ผ 2. Regional Economic Boost
- Tourism opens up between Dunoon, Largs, and Greenock, supporting local shops, cafes, and hotels.
- Largs becomes more accessible for commuters, students, and events.
- Greater cross-county integration between Argyll, Inverclyde, and North Ayrshire.
๐ฑ 3. Clean Transport, Scenic Route
- Electric tram-trains cut emissions, especially along routes previously dependent on cars and ferries.
- The coastal and riverside journey would be a stunning draw for visitors, making it one of the most scenic public transit lines in the UK.
โ ๏ธ Challenges to Consider
| Challenge | Response |
|---|---|
| High infrastructure cost | Potential funding from Scottish Government, UK Levelling Up Fund, green transport initiatives |
| Tunnel engineering | Use of proven technologies: immersed tube or bored tunnel (as used in Istanbulโs Marmaray) |
| Lower population density | Balanced by increased tourism, commuting potential, and long-term sustainability goals |
๐ฎ A Vision for the West Coast
Letโs call it The Clyde Coast Connector โ a line that bridges rivers, crosses counties, and creates opportunities.
Picture this:
- A student in Dunoon commuting to college in Greenock.
- A family in Port Glasgow taking a summer trip to Largs for ice cream and sea air โ no car needed.
- A tourist hopping between Loch Lomond, Cowal, and Ayrshire using only rail and tram.
๐ฆ Next Steps?
This idea could be phased:
- Phase 1: Inverclyde line (Port Glasgow to Gourock)
- Phase 2: Tunnel to Dunoon
- Phase 3: Coastal extension to Largs
Each phase brings its own benefits while building momentum for the full vision.
โจ Final Thought
This isnโt about pie-in-the-sky dreaming โ itโs about reclaiming the future of Scotlandโs west coast. Letโs reconnect the communities of Inverclyde, Argyll, and North Ayrshire with a transport solution thatโs clean, modern, and built for the people who live here.
๐ฃ What do you think? Should Inverclyde and Largs be connected by tram-train โ with a tunnel to Dunoon? Would you use it? Let us know in the comments.