Government completes purchase of Ardrossan Harbour

The Government has completed its acquisition of Ardrossan Harbour, it has been announced.

The port has historically been the main hub for travel to the Isle of Arran, but focus in recent years has shifted to Troon because the newly built Glen Sannox and its long-awaited sister ship the Glen Rosa – which is due to be delivered by the end of the year – cannot dock there.

In recent years, the Government expressed its desire to bring the harbour – owned by Peel Ports – into public ownership to make changes that would allow the two new ferries to run from Ardrossan.

The purchase has been completed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) – the Scottish government’s ferry procurement arm, which also looks after the country’s west coast ports.

However, the cost of the purchase has not been announced as a result of “confidentiality clauses” in the contract.

Responding to the announcement, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government has been clear that we want Ardrossan to be the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services to Arran, so I am pleased that CMAL has today successfully completed the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour.

“This purchase will allow for us to focus on redevelopment of the facility as the primary mainland port to Arran.

“CMAL are already considering short-term work to ensure resilient operations whilst the MV Caledonian Isles continues to operate from Ardrossan, and we are committed to funding a two-port service until the major works begin.

“I appreciate all the work, particularly by the CMAL and Peel Ports teams, that has gone into getting us to this point and look forward to delivering a more resilient and reliable ferry service for communities in both Arran and Ardrossan.”

Lewis McIntyre, managing director of Peel Ports, thanked those involved in the negotiations, adding that the sale was “excellent news for the people of Arran and Ardrossan”.

“We wish all the partners the very best, as Ardrossan Harbour enters this new era of public ownership and investment,” he said.

“More importantly, we hope the people who rely on this ferry service can look forward to a positive and stable future.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said the sale “marks an important step” in securing the town as the primary port for Arran.