Controversial plans to scale-down a ferry service on the west coast of Scotland was being challenged in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

Campaigners want ministers to rethink proposals to operate a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon.

They believe such a change would hand one private operator a freight monopoly on the route, and damage the local economy.

The Scottish Executive said no decision has been taken and it would listen to all concerns.

George Lyon: "Private monopoly"

There are currently two car ferry services operating between Gourock and Dunoon.

The CalMac service is under threat because EU competition rules only allow passenger subsidies to continue if it operates as a passenger only ferry.

If this is applied by ministers then the executive would have to withdraw its subsidy on the route.

Some people are concerned that this would give the other operator, Western Ferries, a private monopoly on freight services.

They also fear it could eventually lead to increased prices and jeopardise planned improvements to Dunoon pier.

Argyll and Bute MSP George Lyon planned to raise the issue in parliament.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's debate, he said: "The proposals currently on the table take away choice and competition.

"They also involve the highest cost to the public purse in the long run.

'Community server'

"If the go-ahead is given, a private monopoly will be created leading to higher prices for local people using the route.

"This could have a huge economic impact on Dunoon and eventually lead to job losses."

Mr Lyon said he had met with the Transport Minister Lewis MacDonald to register his concerns.

He said the minister promised to look at other proposals the community brought forward and take them to Europe.

Ronnie Smith, of the Pier Pressure Group, said: "We can't afford a situation where one unregulated company can hold the town, if it so wished, to ransom."

However, Western Ferries' Kevin Cadenhead said: "When the Americans went we didn't reduce our service - we in fact increased it.

"We are a community server."