Frustrated Arran councillor Charles Currie is urging the Scottish Government to commit to vital upgrading work at Ardrossan Harbour after taking part in a demonstration urging action.
He was among a group of 200 who marched from Brodick Pier to Brodick Town Hall which featured the Save Ardrossan Harbour and Arran residents group on Saturday. A meeting was later held in the hall.
Also attending was North Ayrshire and Arran MP Irene Campbell.
Cllr Currie and Sheila Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer with Visit Arran, spoke at the meeting, along with Matt McDowell, secretary of Save Ardrossan Harbour.
Cllr Currie said: “The march was a success and around 200 people came along. There is pretty strong feeling in Arran and Ardrossan that this has been going on too long and we need a decision as soon as possible.
“The Scottish Government have a lack of willingness to spend money. They will spend money to save 300 jobs in Greenock but won’t spend money to put Ardrossan back on as a viable harbour which news to be done now.
“Troon is not acceptable as we get only three sailings a day which means people with hospital appointments and business on and off the island are not able to go as the ferry times don’t suit.
“There was not a dissenting voice, everyone wants action, there is no room for words.
“Everyone accepts Ardrossan is the harbour of choice, but that has to be backed up by action.
“The Scottish Government are fobbing us off and dodging the subject every time.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring the Arran ferry service is fit for the future, and to finding a solution at Ardrossan that can be delivered in a cost-effective way reflecting the needs of all partners involved.
“We acknowledge the call for a commitment to Ardrossan, and absolutely understand the views of the communities in favour of retaining it as the mainland port, and this has been laid out in the business review work accordingly. The business case and overall delivery of the project need to be supported by financial packages from each of the main funding partners. It is vital that these packages and legal agreements are clearly defined, affordable and ensure value for the public purse.
“The ongoing discussions and negotiations around the delivery of improvements at the port have been complex but the business case review is substantially complete, and project partners continue to work on this as quickly as practicable.
“The next meeting of the Ardrossan Task Force will be convened soon after the business case and cost review exercise has been submitted to Ministers for a decision.”
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