Arran’s representatives have welcomed the news that the MV Glen Sannox has been handed over to CalMac amidst fears for the Ardrossan to Brodick route.
Ferguson Marine handed the ferry over after successful sea trials to Caledonian MacBrayne yesterday (Thursday, November 21) – seven years to the day it was launched by then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said his constituents on Arran would be “delighted” following the news while North Ayrshire and Arran MP Irene Campbell said it was “a step in the right direction”.
However, both have restated calls for improvements at Ardrossan Harbour.
Ms Campbell said she was “hugely concerned” for the Ardrossan to Brodick route while Mr Gibson said there was still “much to be done”.
In January, the MV Glen Sannox will take its first passengers across the Firth of Clyde, six years after it was originally planned to enter service.
The construction of the ferry, and its sister ship the MV Glen Rosa, has been marred by delays and spiraling costs.
Following the award of a £97million contract to the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow in 2015, the total bill has soared to more than £400m.
Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Ms Cambpell said: “I think this is a step in the right direction but it is long, long overdue.
“It is very disappointing that we will not be using Ardrossan Harbour. I am hugely concerned about the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route and I asked a question in the House of Commons about this situation.
“I also mentioned the Save Ardrossan Harbour Group in my maiden speech recently and I have had a meeting with Peel Ports recently where Ardrossan Harbour was discussed as well.
“I think it’s great that there will be a ferry that should hopefully be reliable and will provide a good service for people on Arran.
“My view is that, if it is sailing to Troon for the next however long, I don’t think that is the right solution for North Ayrshire and Arran.
“It is taking people from North Ayrshire to South Ayrshire and there isn’t the infrastructure that there is in Ardrossan.
“Also, from a healthcare perspective, if you have an appointment at Crosshouse Hospital, at the moment you can get off the ferry and get the bus, that infrastructure isn’t there at Troon.
“Although I welcome the fact that the ferry, which is massively overdue, is ready, I am massively disappointed at all the other stuff that goes along with it.”
Mr Gibson added: “The people of Arran will be delighted that the MV Glen Sannox will soon enter service.
“Vessel breakdowns have meant that islanders and businesses have had a torrid time of it over the past year.
“The MV Glen Sannox is an important first step in ensuring that Arran has the comprehensive, resilient ferry service it deserves.
“There is still much more to be done. We need to see the commencement of Ardrossan Harbour’s redevelopment, the MV Caledonian Isles back in service, and improvements to accessibility at Troon.
“However, this is very welcome news which should give islanders and visitors alike the confidence that things will be looking up for Arran in 2025.”
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