Ferry route port fight now coming to Arran
Ardrossan and Troon both want support of islanders
Both sides in the great port debate are bringing the battle to Arran.
As Ardrossan and Troon go head to head with claim and counter-claim, they are to give islanders the chance to have their say on their ferry port of choice, which will be determined by the Scottish Government next spring after an independent review.
This week both ports stepped up the fight and vowed: ‘We’re coming to Arran.’
First Arran residents will be able to hear the case for the Brodick-Ardrossan ferry crossing at a special public event next week by North Ayrshire Council on Thursday December 8.
Those attending will get the opportunity to hear the case for the route, ask questions and put their own ideas and thoughts forward. These contributions will then be taken forward and be used as part of the submission to transport minister Humza Yousaf, who will make the final decision.
It follows a similar event by the ‘Keep it A to B – Ardrossan to Brodick,’ campaign, held in Ardrossan last week, to save the crossing which has existed for 180 years and which has attracted cross-party support from politicians in North Ayrshire.
Council leader Joe Cullinane has asked residents on the island to turn out in force at the meeting. He said: ‘The people of Arran are reliant on the ferry service and their views will play an important role – that’s why we want to make it clear that the Brodick-Ardrossan crossing is the best option for the island. The message from the people of Arran is loud and clear – they want a reliable and efficient ferry service.
‘The planned infrastructure improvements at
Ardrossan Harbour, along with the more powerful ferry will deliver that – with the added benefits that passengers will not have to fork out a small fortune by taking a longer, slower and more expensive service to and from Troon.
‘The new terminal at Brodick is really taking shape. Once the improvements are delivered at Ardrossan, what a fantastic service ferry passengers will have.
’I would urge people to turn out at the meeting and get the opportunity to hear the full facts surrounding the service, as well the chance to ask questions and make their feelings clear.’
The event on Arran will be held at Brodick Hall on Thursday, December 8. It is scheduled to start at 4pm with a dropin session, giving people a chance to speak to council officers. At approximately 5pm, the formal part of the meeting will get under way with key speakers addressing those attending. It is expected the meeting will last until approximately 6.30pm.
Meanwhile, the following week it will be the turn of the Port of Troon to put its case to the people of Arran.
This will be through a series of evening drop-in sessions arranged at convenient locations on the island where the community can talk to ABP’s local port management team and marine professionals about the proposals.
The first of these will be held at Auchrannie Resort in Brodick from 7pm till 10pm on Monday December 12, followed by another session on Thursday December 15 at the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, between 7pm and 10pm. Further dates will be arranged across the island.
Port owner ABP is also creating a forum for islanders to ask questions and feedback their views. The forum will also offer islanders a chance to say how they think the £50,000 annual donation from ABP to good causes on Arran should be spent.
As part of the Troon bid, which has attracted cross-party political support from politicians in South Ayrshire, ABP will publish a wide-ranging set of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help the community make an informed view on the proposals being put before them.
Residents now also have access to a direct email address, which will allow members of the Arran community to ask further questions. Any questions can be sent to choosetroon@abports.co.uk
The initiatives follow ABP’s proposals to fund a state-of-the-art new £8 million ferry terminal, if the island’s ferry service relocates to Troon.
ABP director Andrew Harston said: ‘We understand how, for the people of Arran, the ferry is a uniquely important service and so there are bound to be ques- tions about what our proposal means. That’s why we are determined to make it as easy as possible to ask those questions and get a straight answer based on the facts.
‘We are confident that Troon offers a better deal for the islanders and the Scottish Government. We are keen to help people cut through all the misinformation that is currently in the public domain and understand exactly what a fantastic opportunity is now on the table. We are also excited to see what suggestions people come up with for using the £50,000 for making maximum impact for local good causes.’