Investment in Ferries and Ports

Ardrossan Harbour is to be brought into public ownership and the replacement of the MV Lord of the Isles will go to competitive tender Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop today announced as part of a package of investment in ports and ferry services.

Ms Hyslop set out to Parliament the progress made on a number of key milestones in the delivery of the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles ferry services. These milestones include:

• The successful conclusion of negotiations and wider legal agreements for the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour. Formal acquisition by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will reach legal completion later this month.

• Procurement of the replacement for the MV Lord of the Isles through a competitive tender process, with an order placed with the winning shipyard later this year.

• Funding of over £107 million for the redevelopment of Port Ellen, with new terminal facilities and an additional marshalling area to improve capacity and passenger experience.

• The replacement of the Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS3) contract with the formal start of the procurement process beginning.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:

We want Ardrossan to be the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services to Arran. That is why I am pleased to confirm that the negotiations and wider legal agreements for purchase of Ardrossan harbour have now been successfully concluded. CMAL will soon sign the necessary documents to complete the acquisition of the harbour this month.

This purchase will secure the port in public ownership and allow for full focus to move to redevelopment of the facility. There is much to do and CMAL are already considering short term work to ensure resilient ferry operations whilst the MV Caledonian Isles continues to operate from Ardrossan, and we are committed to funding a two-port service until the major works begin.

CMAL will also progress a competitive tender for the replacement of the MV Lord of the Isles to support the people and economy of South Uist. I met with islanders and stakeholders in South Uist last year and this announcement, along with current investment in the Mallaig Overnight Ferry Berth and progress with the Gasay Business Case, underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to that community.

I also welcome the announcement of funding to completely redevelop Port Ellen and the launch of early procurement for the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract, ensuring these ferry services continue to deliver for those who rely on these lifeline links.