ARRAN groups and organisations are calling on the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council to prioritise the development of a transit marina for the island.

And they hope it could include a small, community-owned, fast electric passenger ferry.

New analysis highlights the island's lack of boat facilities in comparison to other Scottish islands with populations over 1,000.

More than a dozen local organisations have united to demand urgent investment in marina infrastructure. They argue that a fully operational transit marina is essential.

Tom Tracey, chair of the Arran Development Trust, said: "A fully operational marina is vital for commercial vessels, stimulating tourism, easing transport challenges, and supporting local businesses.

"This also opens up the opportunity for a small, community-owned, fast electric passenger ferry. None of this is possible without a marina."

Howard Wood OBE, co-founder of The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), and who spearheaded the creation of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay, said: "All that Arran is asking for is the same facilities as every other Scottish island.

"Local commercial boats, including research vessels, are severely restricted in how they operate due to the lack of year-round access at all states of the tide."

Marinas have improved the economy and employment on the Clyde to the point where it is now the largest sailing area outside the South East of England.

Arran has long been recognised as the gap in the sailing map. The proposed small marina would fill that gap and help secure these mainland jobs, as well benefiting local commercial operations and create opportunities for increased tourism and economic activity.

The organisations behind the campaign stress that equal access to basic infrastructure is essential for the island’s long-term sustainability and for reversing the negative economic trends caused by years of unreliable transport links.

With political and financial backing, the much-needed marina can become a reality for the people of Arran, providing the island with the same standard of facilities available around other Scottish islands.

Marine infrastructure, particularly well-equipped marinas that provide all states of the tide, offer all-year-round access and play a crucial role in enhancing, and supporting local economies.

However, a recent comparative study between Arran and other Scottish islands highlights significant discrepancies.

While islands with much smaller populations such as Mull, Barra and even Islay enjoy well-developed marina facilities, Arran has one small ‘step-ashore’ pontoon at Lochranza, in the north of the island.

With a population of 4,629, and 373,000 visitors in 2022, Arran is by far the largest of Scotland’s inhabited islands to lack a fully developed marine and transit pontoon infrastructure.

Arran’s current facilities do not meet commercial needs or the increasing demands of visiting yachts and small boats.

Experts said the island was uniquely placed at the centre of this sailing area, but it’s lack of marine infrastructure was a significant brake, not just on the Arran economy but potentially the National Strategy, to ‘be a world leader in 21st century sustainable marine tourism’.

Island groups supporting the initiative include Arran Community Renewables, Arran Dairies, Arran Development Trust, Arran Junior Sailing Club, Arran Yacht Club, Auchrannie Resort, Brodick Improvements Association, Community of Arran Seabed Trust, Dive Arran, EcoSavvy, Isle of Pladda Ltd, Johnston Marine Stores, Lamlash Cruises, Lamlash Improvements Association, Lamlash Moorings Association, Taste of Arran, VisitArran, Whiting Bay and Districts Improvements Association.