Arran ferry stays at Ardrossan

The ferry service linking Arran with the mainland will continue to berth at Ardrossan Harbour, following a study into the route commissioned by Scottish Ministers.

The study looked at the two available options objectively, taking into account a broad range of factors including the impact on users in terms of travel time, fares, and connectivity, as well as reliability and the costs to the public purse.

The decision follows the publication of a specialist transport options appraisal report into both Ardrossan and Troon harbours, consultation with all key stakeholders and an opportunity for further representations from all parties involved in the process.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said:

“Having considered all the evidence and representations, we have decided that retaining Ardrossan as the mainland port for the Arran ferry service is the best option.

“The study looked at the options under four broad pillars: Connectivity, Reliability, Overall Operational Cost to the Public Purse and Socio-Economic considerations.

“We carried out consultation with all the key stakeholders, including groups representing the community on Arran who depend on this transport link. It plays a key role in keeping them connected to the mainland as well as supporting the tourist trade by bringing visitors to the island.

“In coming to this decision, we have also received a pledge from Peel Ports and North Ayrshire Council to invest in improved facilities at Ardrossan Harbour. The Ardrossan Task Force will now reconvene to work towards delivering these improvements as soon as possible.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our lifeline ferry links and ensuring that the Arran ferry service is fit for purpose, whilst also getting the best value for the public purse.”

North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive Elma Murray said: “Without doubt, the Minister has reached the right decision following lengthy and detailed consideration of the technical data gathered during the assessment of both mainland berthing options.

“The announcement will reassure Arran residents and the wider travelling public that Ardrossan genuinely offers the best location for the new generation ferry being introduced in 2018.

“We are also grateful and proud of how the communities of Arran and Ardrossan rallied behind the fantastic ‘Keep it A to B – Save Our Ferry’ campaign.

“It has been a magnificent example of a community-wide response to a very real threat to the economic wellbeing of North Ayrshire and everyone should be proud of the commitment and spirit of the campaign.

“While we were never in any doubt that the people and businesses of Ardrossan would fight to save their ferry terminal, it was wonderful to see the community and business groups on Arran – the very people who rely on the service every day - also come out in support of retaining the historic link.

“The Council and Peel Ports will now work towards delivering what we promised during the campaign - a major £15 million redevelopment of the Ardrossan ferry terminal and marine infrastructure to service the route for the next 30 years.

“Today’s announcement will ensure that the residents of Arran and Kintyre get the world class ferry service they deserve. It will also unlock more than £100 million of investment in the wider regeneration of Ardrossan.”

Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council says: “We’re disappointed by the decision not to relocate the ferry to Troon; a move I believe would have delivered a more reliable service at no cost to the public purse, with the improvements to the terminal met entirely with private money.

“Councillors voted unanimously to express support for ABP’s proposal to develop services in South Ayrshire last year and have been vocal supporters of the plans ever since, having made recent representations to the Transport Minister on the issue.

“However from the outset we have maintained that we would accept the report’s recommendations and with the decision now made, that is what we will do.”

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