MSP Kenneth Gibson has urged the Scottish Government to use this week’s budget as an opportunity to resolve the future of Ardrossan Harbour - by buying it from owners Peel Ports.

The Cunninghame North SNP member formally wrote to First Minister John Swinney and transport secretary Fiona Hyslop last month, urging them to break the logjam by buying the harbour - if Peel will sell - to prioritise redevelopment.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly confirmed that Ardrossan will continue as the mainland Ayrshire port for Arran but the project has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing negotiations with Peel.

Redevelopment is necessary to accommodate new vessels the MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa and deliver a much-needed modernisation of a harbour left to decline by Peel’s lack of maintenance and investment, which has already led to the closure of the Irish berth.

The MV Glen Sannox is undergoing a period of crew familiarisation. Once in service, the ferry will operate between Brodick and Troon until an upgrade of Ardrossan Harbour is completed. 

Mr Gibson said: “With the MV Glen Sannox set to enter service in the coming weeks, we need clarity now more than ever on the future of the Ardrossan-Brodick route.

“The Scottish Government committed to retaining Ardrossan as the mainland port for the Arran ferry – a commitment reaffirmed again and again by successive First Ministers. 

“However, the community’s patience has long been exhausted.

“While the Scottish Government has competing demands for schools, hospitals and roads to navigate, I have persistently made the case for Ardrossan as a key infrastructure priority.

“This week’s draft Scottish budget statement provides the ideal opportunity to commit the funding necessary to redevelop the harbour for the communities of Ardrossan and Arran, should Peel agree to sell.”

Mr Gibson is a member of the Ardrossan Harbour Task Force alongside North Ayrshire Council, Peel Ports Group, Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets, CalMac Ferries Ltd and the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee.