Minister for Transport - Letter to Task Force Members - September 2025

Dear Members

Ardrossan Harbour Port Purchase Update

I am writing to Task Force members to provide an update on the port purchase position and negotiations following our last meeting in April 2025.

As members are aware, the three partner funding approach (TS/SG, Peel Ports Group,  North Ayrshire Council) as part of the business case review was proven to be undeliverable  due to competing commercial interests and restrictions on public funding. The potential change of ownership was taken forward to try and unlock investment which has been our  main focus this year.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) as lifeline ferry port asset owner, continue to actively negotiate with Peel Ports Group on the principles of the ‘Head of Terms’.

There has been considerable work on this by both parties and this is intensifying further over the coming weeks with a view to finalising the commercial terms of the sale.

Key points now being discussed include the condition of physical assets and leases where it is understood that a large part of the site has not been openly transacted since the late 19th Century and achieving a clean title in any transfer of ownership is essential to future ferry operations.

This is complex and commercially sensitive work and I know that the communities of both Arran and Ardrossan continue to be frustrated, acknowledging ongoing local campaigns on this important matter.

It is good news that the key principles of the Heads of Terms Agreement have now been exchanged and we look forward to a decision being reached in the near future; as we want to see much needed investment in Ardrossan.

I assure you this remains a matter of utmost priority for Scottish Ministers and I will of course continue to keep both the Task Force and Scottish Parliament updated as this work progresses.

Yours sincerely,

Fiona Hyslop
Cabinet Secretary for Transport