Ardrossan Harbour – Written authority – Response from Cabinet Secretary for Transport

27 February 2026

Alison,

Thank you for your submission of 25 February 2026 regarding the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour and the request for written authority to progress and complete the transaction through Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). I note work undertaken by CMAL and Transport Scotland on the costs, benefits and risks associated with purchase, with the intention to redevelop the Harbour for the long term benefit of the primary services to Arran. 

The Scottish Government is committed to developing the harbour at Ardrossan and securing its long term future. I have carefully considered the submissions provided and am satisfied with the process that has been carried out with the support of internal and external advisors. I acknowledge your conclusion around the narrow value for money case for the purchase of the harbour, any associated costs incurred by CMAL and the immediate and/or remedial works required following transfer of ownership. In making a decision around the way forward, I am guided by a wider set of considerations relating to the policy objectives set out by Scottish Ministers and the impact that any decision might have on people, communities and national resilience.

Scottish Ministers have been clear that our island communities deserve to be supported by reliable and resilient infrastructure as well as the delivery and deployment of two new, energy efficient vessels with the capacity and reliability required to support vibrant island economies. I note that further work on the future redevelopment plans for Ardrossan will be progressed and presented to Ministers for consideration and approval in the months following the purchase and that there remains risks around costs and delivery.

This letter provides you with the necessary written authority, under section 15(8)(a) of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000, to proceed with the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour by CMAL on behalf of Scottish Ministers based on the current cost proposal, including any costs incurred by CMAL acting on behalf of Scottish Ministers, and any immediate and/or remedial works required following transfer of ownership. 

In doing so, I ask you as Accountable Officer to ensure that Transport Scotland and CMAL do everything possible to maximise operational efficiency and ensure that there is a tight control on costs. I would expect CMAL to provide a detailed scrutiny of the costs, the expenditure incurred and any costs related to required works to Ministers.

I consider purchase of Ardrossan Harbour is the best possible solution moving towards a sustainable future for this important ferry route.

Fiona Hyslop

Cabinet Secretary for Transport