The senior echelons of North Ayrshire Council recently engaged in a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to underscore the vital need to resolve the uncertainty surrounding Ardrossan’s status as the main port for the Arran ferry.

Ardrossan’s Labour representative, Councillor Amanda Kerr, during a recent regular meeting of the North Ayrshire Council, queried about the advancements regarding the resolution of this issue.

Council’s head, Marie Burns, recalled an earlier discussion with the then Transport Secretary, Neil Gray, who formerly handled wellbeing economy, fair work and energy. This conversation resulted in financial aid in the Scottish Budget being secured for the island businesses severely affected by significant difficulties pertaining to the ferry services.

She further elaborated: "About a month back, we attended a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, along with island representatives and the local MSP. During this meeting, the concerns regarding the ferry issue and the delay in preparing a business plan for Ardrossan Harbour were brought to the attention very strongly by the attendees, and it was duly taken into account by the Cabinet Secretary.

Council Leader Marie Burns and Chief Executive Craig Hatton on a recent visit to the works site with Council Roads Team Leader Martin Miller and Mark Ferguson, from Turner and Townsend.
Council Leader Marie Burns and Chief Executive Craig Hatton on a recent visit to the works site with Council Roads Team Leader Martin Miller and Mark Ferguson, from Turner and Townsend.

“We collectively emphasized the urgency to Transport Scotland and promised to collaborate from our end within the council to expedite the process. We also stressed on fixing a date for the upcoming taskforce meeting, considering improved communication as a necessity.

She continued, “As of now, we haven’t received any update from Transport Scotland regarding these steps, but we are tirelessly following up. We are highly optimistic that the business plan formulation for Ardrossan Harbour is on the brink of completion. The Chief Executive and I had a meeting on Tuesday night with the AA where we reiterated the crucial need for finalizing the business strategy without further delay and conducting a meeting of the taskforce.”

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