Full steam ahead for Arran ferry to Troon
The Arran ferry is to operate out of Troon to allow a multi-million pound transformation of Ardrossan Harbour.
The recommendation, which will see services resume from Ardrossan once works are completed, was confirmed at a meeting of the project’s ministerial taskforce, although a start date has yet to be confirmed.
The project - estimated to cost between £35 million to £40m - is expected to be completed by early 2024.
The taskforce’s decision, which followed a review of all potential options, was guided by community requests in Arran to maximise the reliability of the alternative service for users.
Further work will also be undertaken to look at potential measures to support the community in Ardrossan during the construction works.
The use of Troon Harbour for the duration of the works was backed by 79 per cent of respondents to a survey carried out earlier this month.
North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane said the decision had clear support from the island community.
He said: “From a North Ayrshire Council perspective,
we recognise that a temporary shift to Troon during the construction phase will have some impact on local businesses, some jobs and those individuals who commute to the island for employment.
“We are committed to working with the Scottish Government, its agencies and partners to mitigate any impact during this period.”
The news was also welcomed by the Arran Ferry Committee.
Chair Iain Thomson said: “We welcome the investment and will continue to work with other partners to support delivery of theses long awaited upgrades to our lifeline services which will improve the island’s economy and quality of life for the residents.”
Minister for energy, connectivity and the islands Paul Wheelhouse added: “We had to take particular account of the potential for significant disruption had services switched to the Irish Berth, given this would be more difficult to access in rough conditions than the Arran Berth.
“We know this ferry link is a vital lifeline for the Arran community and critical to the tourism sector on the island, so using Troon Harbour on a temporary basis will offer the most resilient option possible during the works. We will also look at potential measures to support the community in Ardrossan during the works.
“The next stage will be further community engagement on the development of the ferry timetables themselves. This will look at issues like transport integration and connectivity with other modes.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to providing a robust and resilient ferry service between Ardrossan and Arran, and I look forward to, in the near future, finalising proposals for a significant programme of capital investment in the Arran Berth at Ardrossan Harbour, to provide the improved service that passengers deserve.”