A look at the decade-long issues plaguing Ardrossan Harbour, from ferry contracts to port disputes and redevelopment delays.
In October 2015, contracts went to Ferguson Marine. They planned to build two ferries by 2018. People later named them MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa. Both ferries would serve Arran. Troon Harbour tried to become Arran’s main port in October 2016.
Politicians feared this move would hurt Ardrossan. Peel Ports and North Ayrshire Council opposed Troon’s bid. North Ayrshire Council launched “Keep it A to B” during November 2016. Humza Yousaf promised a study on the Arran ferry’s port.
A major Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment got mentioned in December 2016. The Glen Sannox failed an audit, requiring more work. Ardrossan won the fight to remain Arran’s port in April 2017. The Scottish Government cited strong economic reasons. The Troon takeover attempt failed then.
Humza Yousaf approved Ardrossan Harbour’s upgrade in April 2018. The Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce confirmed their design. Michael Mathieson said the Glen Sannox would arrive by June 2019, in August 2018. The ferry’s design meant it needed the harbor upgrade.
Estimates said the harbor work would take two years. Repeated ferry delays offered time to complete the upgrades. However, this did not occur. COVID-19 played a role, but an opportunity was lost.
In Autumn 2023, harbor redevelopment hadn’t begun. Fiona Hyslop reviewed the project’s costs. A group worked on a revised cost plan. It included the Scottish Government, CalMac, Peel Ports, and the council. Hyslop said in November 2023, improvements needed extending.
She cited replacement, strengthening, for Winton Pier needed. Also, the Irish berth improvements grew the workload. Ardrossan had two Arran ferries in January 2024: Caledonian Isles and Alfred. The ‘Caley Isles’ went for service, remaining absent longer.
Repairs stretched on, return expected late March. The MV Isle of Arran replaced it. Peel Ports closed Ardrossan Harbour’s Irish berth in February 2024. They announced it to the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. The Scottish Government and CalMac were not informed.
MV Alfred then sailed from Troon. Ardrossan only had the aging MV Isle of Arran. Glen Sannox’s launch delayed from March until May. The Transport Secretary said the business case neared completion in May 2024. A final outcome will be announced before June 28.
The Save Ardrossan Harbour committee started its campaign in October 2024. A public meeting drew over three hundred people. Kenneth Gibson urged nationalizing Ardrossan Harbour in December 2024. He stated the ideal budget opportunity had arrived to commit funds.
He joined the Save Ardrossan Harbour group. Together, they launched a petition. The Glen Sannox finally entered CalMac service from Troon, January 2025. Arran supported Ardrossan in February 2025 with a rally. Save Ardrossan Harbour joined a march in Brodick.
A campaign launched to Save Our Harbour. The Scottish Government confirmed talks regarding purchasing the facility. The campaign will keep going until an accord is reached. Support will also be needed for local businesses. This is because the ferries will sail from Troon. The work will take two years.