The previous ferry operated up until 1999

The future of the Campbeltown to Ballycastle route was thrown into doubt when a tender process to operate the service expired with no apparent bidders.

The executive has confirmed that no tenders were received for a subsidy to operate a passenger and freight service within the time frame.

However, it has now been revealed that a bidder has since expressed an interest.

We recognise the importance of this service to the communities in Argyll and Moyle, which is why we are urgently pursuing alternative options Lewis Macdonald, Deputy Transport Minister

A �1m annual subsidy was on offer to run a five-year contract on the service, for at least 11 months a year.

Lewis Macdonald, Deputy Minister for Transport, said the executive is investigating other possible options, including further exploration of an approach from an interested party.

Details of this approach remain commercially confidential, but the service would be provided within the terms and conditions of the original tender exercise.

Mr Macdonald said: "We and our colleagues in Northern Ireland are disappointed at the result of the tendering exercise, however we remain committed to pursuing viable options to allow re-instatement of the service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle within the tender criteria.

"We recognise the importance of this service to the communities in Argyll and Moyle, which is why we are urgently pursuing alternative options.

"We will ensure that fair and reasonable time is allowed for the processes that these investigations will involve, and will make further information available on progress in due course."