Ardrossan hopes for brighter days after harbour nationalisation plan

Campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s plans to nationalise Ardrossan Harbour.

The port, currently owned by Peel Ports, has been sought by the Scottish Government’s ferry procurement arm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) since it became clear two new ferries serving the route between the mainland and the Isle of Arran would not be able to dock there.

The Glen Sannox entered service last year with its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, due to be handed over at the end of 2026.

Troon has replaced Ardrossan as the main port for the Isle of Arran, meaning business has suffered in the town.

Pamela McDonald owns a dog-grooming salon less than a mile from the harbour.

Pamela runs a dog grooming salon less than a mile from the harbout STV News

“The town has drastically died on us,” she said. “We used to have a lot of footfall passing traffic; the buzz about the town is no longer here.

“A lot of our dogs now can’t make the travel because it’s too far to travel to Troon, adding more stress to the dog. We’ve lost a bit of business through the impact of the ferry not being here.”

She’s not alone. Survival for many small businesses in the town has been tough, with shop closures becoming more regular sights.

Campaigners want this port to once again be the primary mainland ferry terminal for Arran.

Arran for Ardrossan Harbour chair Wyllie Hume says it’s long-awaited news.

“Ardrossan Harbour has been neglected for a number of years now and it is badly in need of an upgrade. It was crucial the government took initiative and took it into public ownership so they can crack on and carry on with the much-needed project to redevelopment.”

Work to upgrade has been stalling for over a decade. It is going to take extensive redevelopment costing around £80m.

Uncertainty remains among locals around how long it will take to build the harbour.

Scottish Government to buy out Ardrossan Harbour STV News

One local said: “I’m delighted but when is it going to happen? We were told it was supposed to be done and dusted by Christmas, this is us until the middle of March. Now it’s supposed to be done by the end of this month. What do we believe?

“It must be awful for businesses and Arran folk.”

Another local was sceptical over the timeline.

“They’ve still to build those boats. The harbour will be done and it could be years before the boats are ready.

“We’ll need to wait and see what happens.”

‘It’s been a long hard road the last ten years’

Along the water, there is a renewed feeling of optimism.

More than 300 workers welcomed new contracts for four new vessels, securing jobs for the next five years.

Ferguson Marine GMB Convenor Alex Logan says it’s “really good news” for the sector and the local community.

“I’m delighted for the workforce; a long, hard road for the last ten years.

“I’ve had many conversations with politicians regarding the workforce, for us to lose that in a thriving industry. Every shipyard in Britain is thriving, so we’ll thrive for the next five years at least, anyway.

“It’s been difficult, especially for young apprentices coming through. Their college work has fallen behind a wee bit. They can get their teeth into it and learn skills off people before they retire.”

For those who finished apprenticeships, they want to know the job continues.

Welder Michael McCauley said: ” I was relieved – its good stability for the job. We had doubt about whether there’s work to continue on. Now we can stay here and have some years to go.”

Nathan Harkins, also a welder, added: “It’s just a relief for the local area and everybody that currently works here and people coming in the future too. If you walk through Port Glasgow you will know at least one person who works in here. There would be a lot of jobs on the line if this contract wasn’t awarded.

“Ferries were always built here; it makes sense to build them here. Scottish shipbuilding is good for everybody.”

Welders at Ferguson Marine say news 'a huge sigh of relief' — Welders at Ferguson Marine say news ‘a huge sigh of relief’ STV News

The Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, announced the government expects to finalise the deal this month. Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) had sought to take over the port after two new ferries built to serve the route to the Isle of Arran were too big to dock.

She said: “We want Ardrossan to be the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services to Arran. That is why I am pleased to confirm that the negotiations and wider legal agreements for purchase of Ardrossan harbour have now been successfully concluded. CMAL will soon sign the necessary documents to complete the acquisition of the harbour this month.

“This purchase will secure the port in public ownership and allow for full focus to move to redevelopment of the facility. There is much to do and CMAL are already considering short term work to ensure resilient ferry 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.

“CMAL will also progress a competitive tender for the replacement of the MV Lord of the Isles to support the people and economy of South Uist. I met with islanders and stakeholders in South Uist last year and this announcement, along with current investment in the Mallaig Overnight Ferry Berth and progress with the Gasay Business Case, underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to that community.

“I also welcome the announcement of funding to completely redevelop Port Ellen and the launch of early procurement for the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract, ensuring these ferry services continue to deliver for those who rely on these lifeline links.”