Scottish Government in talks to buy privately-owned Ardrossan Harbour

Discussions that could see the Scottish Government buy privately-owned Ardrossan Harbour are “progressing at pace”, transport secretary Fiona Hyslop has said.

With the harbour currently owned by Peel Ports, Hyslop revealed officials from Transport Scotland and CMAL – the body which owns the ferries, ports and harbours for ferry services in Scotland – have been instructed to explore the “potential purchase” of the site.

It comes as the Government has pledged to invest more than £530 million in the coming year to “support and enhance ferry services, including for Arran”, Hyslop said.

She said cash for the potential purchase of the site has been included in the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2025-26.

CalMac’s new Glen Sannox ferry sails to Arran from Troon in South Ayrshire, as the vessel is too big for Ardrossan to the north.

Hyslop told MSPs talks about purchasing the harbour are taking place in a bid to “ensure we make progress on finding a solution at Ardrossan that can be delivered in a cost-effective way”.

She said while there have been “discussions and negotiations” over improvements to the site, these have so far been unable to “reach an agreeable decision”.

Adding the situation is causing “uncertainty” for the communities of both Ardrossan and Arran, Hyslop said: “It now makes sense to broaden the search for a solution – which now includes the potential purchase by the Scottish Government.”

She said the Government understands the desire of local communities to retain Ardrossan as a mainland port, also stressing that ministers are “committed to ensuring the Arran ferry service is fit for the future”.

Hyslop added: “The owners of Ardrossan Harbour, Peel Ports Group, have highlighted that they continue to invest in the harbour to ensure it remains operational.”

Stating that “discussions around the potential change of ownership are progressing at pace and in good faith”, Ms Hyslop said this should “bring reassurance to everyone with an interest in the Arran ferry service”.

Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said: “Peel Ports Group welcomes the Scottish Government’s statement that it intends to explore the potential purchase of Ardrossan Harbour.

“Since being confirmed by Scottish ministers in 2017 as the preferred route to serve Arran, we have remained fully supportive of its redevelopment, spending several million to maintain the critical service and designing and securing necessary consents required for the harbour’s redevelopment.

“Regardless of the outcome of this process, our willingness to invest in the harbour remains steadfast. We take comfort that the port continues to operate this lifeline route and that it remains the port of choice for the people and businesses of Arran and Ardrossan.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a vital step forward, but ministers must deliver full public ownership.

“Scotland’s ferry network must be run in the interests of workers and passengers, not for private profit and shareholder dividends.

“For too long, private interests have drained vital resources while neglecting essential maintenance, leaving workers and passengers to deal with the consequences.

“A publicly owned and operated Ardrossan Harbour would ensure that every penny is reinvested into improving services, upgrading infrastructure, and securing long-term economic stability for the region.”