By Colin Smeeton
Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson has pressed first minister Humza Yousaf on when upgrading work at Ardrossan harbour will begin and conclude.
It follows the announcement that there would be a set back to original project owing to the business case needing to be profiled to take into account higher costs and additional work, as reported in the Banner last week.
Mr Gibson said: “In June last year, Ardrossan harbour task force was advised that, after years of negotiation with Peel Ports, redevelopment would go out to tender on agreed designs this past summer.
“Now, however, improvements that were apparently not previously deemed essential have been included, which has added to interminable delays in the commencement of works.
“The first minister restated his commitment to the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route while visiting Arran on August 23. Can he therefore advise when it is now anticipated that work will begin and conclude on the redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour?”
Mr Yousaf responded: “I thank Kenny Gibson, who has raised that issue on a number of occasions, most recently when I visited Arran with him.
“First, I give an assurance that the Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring that the Arran ferry service is fit for the future, and that we will continue to engage closely with the community as that work very much progresses.
“The business case and cost review for the Ardrossan harbour project are currently being progressed. The minister for transport wrote to the Ardrossan task force recently to advise that that work is being expanded in order to help determine the scope more definitively, with reporting expected by February next year.
“I fully appreciate that that will be disappointing news. However, it is essential that the scope of the work is clearly defined in order to provide greater certainty on the project costs and the financial package that is required for each of the funding partners to deliver an improved service for the Arran community.”
Mr Gibson told the Banner that delays to the project is “of great concern” and that work must “begin at the earliest opportunity”. He said: “The Scottish government and the First Minister, personally, are committed to Ardrossan Harbour’s redevelopment.
“However, delays to the commencement of this project continue to be of great concern.
“Negotiations between North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government and Peel Ports over their respective financial commitment to the redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour took years to successfully conclude and design changes and construction inflation have added to the cost and complexity.
“Nevertheless, as soon as the updated business case is concluded, tendering to ensure redevelopment work can begin on site must proceed at the earliest possible opportunity.”
First minister Humza Yousaf pictured with MSP Kenneth Gibson and MP Patricia Gibson on his visit to Arran in August. 01_B50humza01_23_kenneth_patricia