Campaign to save Ardrossan Harbour, vital for Arran residents and businesses, seeks immediate action after project delays.
The article urges action from involved parties and demands an end to delays. The harbour sits empty now. The article will investigate the economic impact and the people affected.
Ardrossan must remain the Arran port, period. Improving the harbor link is essential. It allows new ferries to use the port safely. This project faced delays.
The project’s progress stopped in 2023, needing a revised plan and costing. They promised steady updates. People feared Troon would replace Ardrossan.
Losing the ferry impacts jobs and services, and Ardrossan could face major economic hardship. Arran residents face longer trips and cancellations. What went wrong with the harbour plan? Poor decisions meant new ferries couldn’t use it. A redesign was necessary, and Covid and rising costs worsened the situation.
In late 2023, the project was reviewed due to costs. A decision was expected soon, but it never came. A business case is missing, just like reports.
Politicians agree on the need for action. One called it a “national embarrassment,” and another said the government would not be forgiven. A solution might be nationalizing the harbor.
It’s the only private lifeline ferry port in Scotland. Peel Ports’ willingness to sell is unknown. They must act for Ardrossan and Arran. Failure reflects badly on Scotland.