Ardrossan Harbour Update

Yesterday in the Scottish Parliament I questioned Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP on progress of the public buyout of Ardrossan Harbour.

On 08 October, I participated in a public meeting of more than 200 Ardrossan and Arran residents, at which a letter from Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd was read out, expressing confidence that the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour from Peel Ports would be concluded by Christmas.

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that the SNP Government is looking to finalise the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour “around that date,” with progress continuing.

In February, the SNP Government announced it was pursuing taking Ardrossan Harbour into public ownership from owners Peel Ports.

Progress on the redevelopment project had stalled as the UK Subsidy Control Act 2022 prevented the public sector from investing in the assets of a private company to the degree required at Ardrossan Harbour. And the Scottish Government has no powers to secure the harbour by compulsory purchase, with these powers being retained by Westminster.

It’s encouraging that the buyout progress is continuing at pace.

The redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour was deadlocked for years. I am sincerely grateful to the Cabinet Secretary and the First Minister for not only getting us to this stage but for righting the wrong of the 1992 privatisation of the harbour and getting it back into public hands.

We are hopeful that this will be a much-deserved Christmas present for communities in Arran and Ardrossan, who have waited far too long for progress on this vital issue.

Watch by clicking on the above graphic.