MSP urges Transport Secretary to commit to Ardrossan harbour

Katy Clark says the government "owes it to the community", not only to re-state its commitment to retaining Ardrossan as the mainland terminal for the lifeline service to and from Brodick, but to be open and honest about the reasons why it has yet to give the go-ahead to essential upgrade work at the harbour.

Ms Clark says ongoing delays and uncertainty surrounding the Ardrossan harbour redevelopment have left island residents and local businesses anxious about the future of this vital service.

The Labour MSP, whose office is based in Ardrossan, is now challenging Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to immediately release a detailed explanation for the repeated delays and outline the specific obstacles hindering progress.

A computer-generated view of the upgraded Ardrossan ferry terminal (Image: NAC)

The Ardrossan upgrade work was promised by Humza Yousaf in April 2018, when he was Scotland's transport minister.

But it was called in for a review by Transport Scotland a year ago amid mounting concern at the rising cost of the work at the terminal, which is privately owned by Peel Ports.

Unless and until the upgrade is completed, the two new ferries being built for the Arran route, MVs Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, will be unable to serve Ardrossan and will have to use Troon as their mainland port.

Mr Yousaf re-stated his commitment to Ardrossan remaining the route's mainland port last September.

Earlier this year both Mr Yousaf and the interim chief executive of CalMac Ferries Ltd, Duncan Mackison, accused Peel Ports of failing to invest sufficient sums in keeping the Ardrossan terminal up to the required standard.

Ms Hyslop admitted last month that a critical announcement about the redevelopment has been postponed once again.

Ms Clark declared: “The time for delays and excuses is over. Our communities cannot wait any longer.

The new Arran ferries will be unable to serve Ardrossan without essential upgrade work. (Image: Newsquest)

“We need a concrete commitment to the Ardrossan-Brodick ferry route now. Not vague promises and more uncertainty.

“Fiona Hyslop owes it to the community to provide clear, honest answers about what’s causing these delays and what is being done to fix them.

“Islanders and the local business community deserve to know why they continue to face uncertainty.”

Despite previous assurances that Ardrossan would remain the mainland port for the Brodick ferry, Ms Clark is concerned that the lack of action could lead to the route being permanently redirected to Troon.

Such a shift, she says, would disrupt daily commutes, essential supply chains, and the broader regional economy.

The MSP is now calling for the Scottish Government to commit to clear timelines and budget allocations for the harbour's redevelopment.

She said the commitment is crucial for restoring confidence among stakeholders and ensuring the project moves forward without further delays.

Ms Clark added: “The Ardrossan-Brodick route is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline for islanders and a vital artery for our local economy.

Ardrossan's ferry terminal requires significant upgrade work before it can be used by Arran's two new ferries. (Image: Newsquest)

“The ongoing uncertainty is unacceptable. I am calling on the Scottish Government to publicly commit to retaining this route and to provide a detailed plan for the harbour’s redevelopment.

"It’s time to end the delays and show real leadership.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We are continuing to review and update the business case for upgrading Ardrossan Harbour with ongoing engagement from project partners.

"There are outstanding financial and technical aspects which need to be resolved before the business case review can be finalised and presented to Ministers.

“We recognise the impact that delays and disruption have regrettably had on our island communities and this government is committed to investing in our ferry services. That is why we have prioritised delivering six new major vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network by 2026.”