Ardrossan Harbour has been taken into ownership by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL). CMAL, which is wholly owned by the Scottish government, has completed the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour on March 18 on behalf of the Scottish government.
The acquisition from Peel Ports Group includes the full harbour area, the Arran and Irish berths, linkspans, car park and marshalling area, part of the land currently used by the boatyard, and the approach road.
It has not been confirmed how much it has cost to buy the harbour from Peel Ports Group.
The deal means that CMAL takes control of the harbour on behalf of the Scottish government.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government has been clear that we want Ardrossan to be the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services to Arran, so I am pleased that CMAL has today successfully completed the purchase of Ardrossan harbour.
“This purchase will allow for us to focus on redevelopment of the facility as the primary mainland port to Arran. CMAL are already considering short-term work to ensure resilient 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’s chief executive Kevin Hobbs said it had been a long process but the purchase was an important step in securing Ardrossan as the principal mainland port for ferry services to Arran.
CMAL said full redevelopment plans for the port will be confirmed following planning and stakeholder engagement.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited owns ferries, ports and harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the west coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary, and the Northern Isles.
It is wholly owned by the Scottish government with Scottish ministers the sole shareholders.
