This ferry and its sister ships provide a vital link from Dunoon to Gourock, making it possible to live in Dunoon but still work in Glasgow. The alternative is an 80 mile road journey. The Sound of Scarba was built at Port Glasgow in 2001 and can carry up to 40 cars. Operated by Western Ferries , the crossing is quick and there are often 3 ferries running making it a short wait for the next.