More delays to the Ardrossan harbour upgrade are confirmed

The improvements - which needed to ensure the new Arran ferries can operate from the harbour - have already been delayed for years.

North Ayrshire Council (NAC) said a report on the socio-economic case for the upgrade, from the Fraser of Allander Institute, is expected "imminently".

But the council has been informed by Scottish transport minister Fiona Hyslop that a "significant expansion of the business review process" was now required.

In August, Transport Scotland announced that the procurement process for the work had been put on hold, and that a review of the project would take place, due to a "significant" increase in anticipated costs.

The results of that review had been expected by the end of November.

A council spokesperson said the delay was "disappointing".

They revealed: “The council independently commissioned the Fraser of Allander Institute to provide updated socio-economic analysis to underpin the case for investment at Ardrossan and inform the Transport Scotland business case review.

"We expect this report imminently.

“On November 27, the council and members of the Ardrossan Task Force Group were advised by the Minister for Transport that a significant expansion of the business review process was required, and the outcome of the business case was now expected in February 2024.

“Whilst this delay is disappointing, we welcome the opportunity to restate the case that Ardrossan Harbour remains the fastest, most economical and most environmentally-conscious crossing between Arran and the mainland.

“We recognise that the ongoing business case review will want to examine every possible option to ensure the crossing is future-proof and meets the expectations of everyone who uses and relies on it.

“We will continue to make the case for a resilient, improved and sustainable crossing between Arran and Ardrossan, and hope that a decision to reaffirm the route is made as quickly as possible to allow the project to move ahead as a matter of urgency.”

The proposed harbour upgrade (Image: NAC)

Speaking on November 28, a day after the council was contacted by Ms Hyslop, the transport minister told the Scottish Parliament: "In relation to Ardrossan, as I have outlined in this chamber, that the improvement works will need to be extended from the original investment proposal.

"The replacement or strengthening of the Winton Pier at Ardrossan and the Irish berth, which in certain winter conditions ferries use to manouvre of of the harbour, has expanded that piece of work.

"North Ayrshire Council and also Peel Ports, as partners in that process, are delivering ongoing work to make sure that we have got the robust investment decision that we can make."

She then said she was unable to give a date for the start of the upgrade as the government was awaiting a report from consultants, which would not be available until "late November".

However, while the Fraser of Allander Institute economists' report may be on the way, the 'significant expansion' of the business case demanded by the Scottish Government now looks set to push back the timescale by months - at least.

The harbour improvements, if and when they are approved, will see Troon used as the mainland port for Arran ferry sailings until the works are completed.

It has been estimated that work could take a couple of years, once the new, long delayed Arran ferry, MV Glen Sannox, enters service.

It's hoped the new vessel will be introduced in 2024 - though it was recently reported that Caledonian MacBrayne was making plans for its 2024-25 winter timetable that don't include the Glen Sannox.

At Holyrood last week, Labour MSP Katy Clark said many locals were extremely worried that the harbour upgrade delay could be cancelled due to rising costs - with the Arran ferry permanently sailing from Troon.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said today: "We remain committed to ensuring the Arran ferry service is fit for the future, and to find a solution at Ardrossan that can be delivered in a cost effective way reflecting the needs of all of the partners involved.

“The Minister for Transport wrote to the Ardrossan Task Force last week to advise that a business case and cost review exercise for the Ardrossan Harbour project is currently being progressed and is expected to be reported in February 2024.

"A vital part of the business case that requires input from partners is the socio-economic assessment. North Ayrshire Council are liaising with the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee and have appointed consultants to provide a report, and have advised that this will not be available until early December. 

“We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the island communities and Campbeltown regarding the delay to the Ardrossan project, but would assure them that this work is of vital importance in defining the scope of works, allowing greater certainty of the project costs and the financial package required from each of the funding partners to deliver an improved service for the Arran community."

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson and North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson have both insisted First Minister Humza Yousaf - who first announced the Ardrossan works in 2017, when he was transport minister - was fully behind Ardrossan remaining as the main port for the Arran ferry.