THE decision to continue 182 years of ferry services between Arran and Ardrossan has been welcomed by North Ayrshire Council chief executive Elma Murray.
The announcement from Keith Brown, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, comes at the end of a five-month-long campaign supported by a wide range of community groups, businesses and public and private sector organisations — both on Arran and on the mainland.
The community campaign was launched by North Ayrshire Council and Ardrossan Harbour owners Peel Ports following a speculative bid by Associated British Ports to switch the lifeline service from its traditional home to their own harbour in Troon.
Murray said: “Without doubt, the minister has reached the right decision following lengthy and detailed consideration of the technical data gathered during the assessment of both mainland berthing options.
“Today’s announcement will reassure Arran residents and the wider travelling public that Ardrossan genuinely offers the best location for the new generation ferry being introduced in 2018.”
Doug Coleman, project director for Peel Ports, said: “We were always convinced that the benefits of retaining the ferry service on the shortest, fastest and cheapest route were overwhelming. Now that we have been given a long-term commitment by the Scottish Government, we are able to start on the biggest investment programme Ardrossan Harbour has seen in recent years.
“The new passenger and marine infrastructure will be of enormous benefit to the people of Arran and Kintyre.”
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