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Deal to nationalise 'ferry fiasco' harbour at 'advanced stage', says Scotland's first minister
Scottish ministers aim to complete the Ardrossan Harbour purchase by 2026 to enable larger ferries and resolve ongoing disruptions to Isle of Arran services.
- Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish government is in well-advanced talks to buy Ardrossan Harbour from Peel Ports to upgrade it and resume ferry services to the Isle of Arran.
- The current Ardrossan site cannot accommodate the two new ferries because they are too big for the jetty, forcing the Glen Sannox to run from Troon and causing Ardrossan town to lose its primary port status.
- Major delays and cost overruns on the new vessels—costing around £460m versus a £97m contract—have worsened disruptions, with Glen Sannox operating since last January and Glen Rosa potentially delayed until early 2027.
- Reports say a price was agreed in October, and Scottish ministers hope to complete the purchase before the end of 2026 to restore ferry services.
- Cost pressures from further Glen Rosa delays are rising, and ministers say finishing the vessel is essential to strengthen services and realise benefits from Glen Sannox, while Mr Swinney warned there is no `blank cheque` for Ferguson Marine.
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Deal to nationalise 'ferry fiasco' harbour at 'advanced stage', says Scotland's first minister
Reports suggest a price was agreed in October to buy Ardrossan Harbour from its current owner, as the site needs upgrading to dock two new ferries on the route between the mainland and the Isle of Arran.
·United Kingdom
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Ardrossan Harbour Talks Could Mark a Turning Point for Arran’s North Ayrshire Lifeline.
Doug Maclean - business writer The Scottish Government has confirmed that it is in advanced talks to take Ardrossan Harbour into public ownership. First Minister John Swinney told the Press Association “It’s a very complex process, but I keep a very close eye on the acquisiition of Ardrossan Harbour. It’s necessary because of the Goverment’s long-term commitment to the delivery of ferry services for Arran from Ardrossan.” Image - Visit Scotland …
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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