Decision on Ardrossan Harbour to be revealed next month

Fiona Hyslop told the Scottish Parliament on May 16 that a cost and review of the business case for the harbour's long awaited upgrade was nearing completion.

And she vowed the final outcome would be announced before Holyrood's summer recess on June 28.

But she still refused to give a firm commitment that an upgraded Ardrossan harbour would remain the main port for Arran.

Ms Hyslop had been asked for an update on the harbour by West of Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark.

Big plans to upgrade the harbour were agreed six years ago, but the work has yet to begin.

MV Alfred at Ardrossan's now closed Irish berth (Image: Newsquest)

In the meantime, the port's Irish berth has been closed by owners Peel Ports and a spat has broken out between Peel and ferry operators CalMac, with both sides blaming the other for the deterioration of the facility.

CalMac are now running their second Arran ferry from Troon due to the Irish berth closure. And the full service has repeatedly been diverted to Troon, sometimes for a full week, because the ferry has troubled berthing at Ardrossan in strong winds.

Asked for an update on the progess at Holyrood yesterday, Ms Hyslop said: "The essential business case and cost review work is now nearing completion and I expect to give a fuller update on this project before summer recess.

"This work has been vital to provide clarity on the scope, benefit and potential costs of the project as well as update the investment requirements from the main funding partners.

"A meeting of the Ardrossan Harbour Task Force is planned for later this afternoon with the business case work expected with members for consideration thereafter."

Ms Clark responded: "CalMac have said it is the failure of port owners Peel to invest that has left the harbour in substandard condition, despite the owners receiving over £15million in harbour dues in the last decade.

"Given the long standing issues, there have been repeated calls to bring the port into public ownership.

"Does the Cabinet Secretary accept that the current situation is unacceptable? Will she confirm the Scottish Government's commitment to Ardrossan and outline her strategy? And, given that there hasn't been a meeting of the task force since March 2023 and there is one due later today, will she come back to the chamber with a statement to outline the Government's approach?"

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, left, and MSP Katy Clark (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Hyslop replied: "I've already said that I will provide an update before summer recess. Our focus is on ensuring a robust business case can be developed, to ensure that the case for Ardrossan can be properly considered and the cost and scope well understood so investment decisions can be made.

"And regardless of ownership, it is important that any operational issues are addressed by both parties, CalMac and Peel Ports Group, to resolve them quickly to ensure minimal impact and disruption to the services to island communities.

"Any purchase, would, of course, depend on the owner's willingness to sell..."

A proposal for the new look harbour (Image: NAC)

Later, Ms Clark said: "Communities and ferry users will be relieved to hear the business case is finally set to be completed for the redevelopment of the harbour. Given the task force hasn’t met in more than a year, I’ll be following the outcome of yesterday’s discussions very closely.

“However, it’s disappointing the Scottish Government still won’t unequivocally confirm its long term commitment that Ardrossan will retain the route come what may.

"Its long term refusal to explore public ownership of the harbour, which has been run into the ground by Peel Ports, has been shameful.

“These upgrades are urgently needed to run new vessels on the Ardrossan-Arran route. It’s shameful we are in this position.

"Ardrossan has been the main ferry route to Arran for 190 years as it’s the shortest, fastest route and must be retained.”