Save Ardrossan Harbour Campaigners Visit Holyrood

On Thursday, campaigners from Save Ardrossan Harbour and Arran for Ardrossan Harbour travelled to the Scottish Parliament.

Prior to a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP I asked the following question of the First Minister at First Minister’s Questions:

“It has now been more than four months since the Scottish Government committed to exploring the purchase of Ardrossan harbour from Peel Ports but talks appear to be deadlocked.

“Until the future of the harbour is resolved, Arran will not receive the lifeline ferry service that it needs and deserves, while Ardrossan will struggle.

“This afternoon, constituents from both communities are protesting outside the building.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Transport will meet the protesters this afternoon.

“Will the Scottish Government now inject some urgency into the process to break the stalemate?”

The First Minister replied:

“In relation to Ardrossan, I entirely understand Mr Gibson’s concern.

“This is a negotiation with a private organisation, Peel Ports, and any such negotiations take time.

“It has the focus and attention of ministers and of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

“The transport secretary has made clear to the Parliament the steps that have been taken, and we will, of course, update the Parliament when the negotiation progresses.

“I assure Mr Gibson—he can convey this to his constituents, and I know that the transport secretary will do that in her discussions this afternoon—that the Government is absolutely focused on achieving a long-term solution for Ardrossan harbour, which, from the Government’s perspective, remains the key port for the connection to Arran.”

Kenneth Gibson commented:

“I am greatly heartened by the First Minister’s resolute commitment to Ardrossan and ensuring Ardrossan Harbour returns to public ownership.

“Subsequent to First Minister’s Questions, Wyllie Hume of Arran for Ardrossan Harbour and Frances Gilmour and Matthew McGowan of Save Ardrossan Harbour - all three are pictured with me and Ms Hyslop – met in her office.

“Many other campaigners travelled through, bringing a petition of some 20,000 signatures, showing the strength of feeling on this vital local issue.

“The meeting was productive, with the campaigners indicating their concerns at the progress of negotiations, while the Transport Secretary and offered some clarity in terms of the Scottish Government’s actions to acquire the Harbour from Peel Ports.

“All agreed that the redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour is vital to the future of both Ardrossan and Arran, and that we need progress on the buyout as soon as possible.”