ARDROSSAN Harbour should be taken into public ownership, an Ayrshire MSP has said.

Labour's Katy Clark hit out at the Scottish Government for “endless delays” and “squandering taxpayers’ money” since upgrade work at the terminal was signed off by Humza Yousaf five years ago.

In April 2018 Mr Yousaf, who was then minister for transport and the islands, gave the green light to construct a new terminal building, install a new linkspan, realign the current berth, and repair fenders at the harbour.

However, five years on - and almost exactly six years since the government confirmed Ardrossan would remain the mainland terminal for the Arran service, in the face of competition from Associated British Ports, owner of Troon harbour - construction has still not started.

The government's new transport minister, Kevin Stewart, now says work is not likely to start until the spring of 2024 due to the continued failure to agree legal and commercial terms with statutory harbour authority Peel Ports.

The Scottish Government has already handed Peel, which Ms Clark described as "a controversial tax-haven owned firm", more than £400,000 in taxpayers’ money for the project.

The ferry route from Ardrossan to Brodick is the busiest in the country.

However, island residents have frequently raised concerns that the ageing infrastructure at the port will only compound the ongoing ferries crisis, with thousands of sailings cancelled in recent years because of mechanical issues.

The mainland terminal for Arran's main ferry service is set to be temporarily relocated from Ardrossan to Troon for the duration of the upgrade work.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Ms Clark, who represents the West Scotland region and is a former Westminster MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, said: “In April 2018, ex-transport minister Humza Yousaf approved upgrading Ardrossan Harbour.

"Six years on, endless delays mean we’re no further forward and the Scottish Government squanders taxpayers money whilst failing to agree terms with powerful private landowner Peel Ports.

“Islanders have had enough of this fiasco. They still don’t even know what will be finished first: the delayed Glen Sannox vessel at Ferguson Marine or the delayed upgrade to the harbour it’s supposed to run from.

"Meanwhile, a prolonged move to Troon will impact local supply chains, the viability of local businesses and other transport links.

“Whilst this shambles drags on, it’s islanders, ferry users and local businesses who pay the price.

"I’ve continually pressed the Scottish Government to push Peel to reach terms to little avail.

"Humza Yousaf should show leadership and announce that the Scottish Government will now commit to compulsory measures, including public ownership, so the upgrades he signed off can finally be completed.”

Her comments came just days after North Ayrshire Labour councillor Amanda Kerr questioned the First Minister's ability to deliver the harbour project

Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart told the Herald: “I share the frustrations of island communities about progress of the Ardrossan Harbour project, which is a privately owned port. 

“The project is currently at the tender design stage; before progressing to the tender bid and evaluation, contract award and contractor mobilisation, subject to agreeing commercial terms and funding approval.

“The current indicative programme for the Ardrossan harbour project indicates construction stage commencing in Spring 2024 and completion by Spring 2026.

“The legal and commercial arrangements continue to be progressed by Transport Scotland with both Peel Ports Group and North Ayrshire Council contributing towards the project.”