Hello Humza, any news?

It looks then that we are in the final straight of the ferry port fight.

We welcome back to the island today (Friday) transport minister Humza Yousaf who is surely making his final round of talks before making a decision on whether it is Ardrossan or Troon.

We’d like to say it has been a good clear fight, but there has been a good bit of mud slinging from both camps in an increasingly bitter contest. But, as The Banner has said from the start, the people who matter most are the residents of Arran.

Business, social and tourism bodies on the island will today hear where Mr Yousaf is in his deliberations and no doubt get one last chance to state their case.

All business and community organisations, including the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee, are now of one voice that it has to be Ardrossan. But for many, the support is conditional on real investment in Ardrossan by Peel Ports.

Mr Yousaf doesn’t have unlimited time. With the local council elections on May 4, this year the six-week pre-election purdah will start at the end of March, giving him just four weeks to reach a decision.

We have no desire to speculate who will win, but the odds seem increasingly stacked against Troon.

What has been worthwhile in our view is the need for a debate in the first place. Associated British Ports had every right to throw their hat into the ring and bid to be the Arran ferry destination.

Maybe, it won’t be this time, but why can the port not be considered as a port of refuge if, as it says, it is a more sheltered harbour. Certainly the main Arran ferry seems to have very little thought of going to Gourock any time soon. But that is a debate for another day.

Let’s hope the port decision is made for all the right reasons.