The Scottish government is on the verge of taking Ardrossan Harbour into public ownership, in a critical move aimed at resolving the long-running 'ferry fiasco' and restoring a vital sea link to the Isle of Arran.
Complex Negotiations Reach Advanced Stage
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that discussions with the harbour's current private operator, Peel Ports, are at a 'well-advanced stage'. He stated the government is committed to delivering ferry services for Arran from Ardrossan, which is the quickest and most efficient route.
Reports indicate that a price for the purchase was agreed upon as far back as October 2025. Mr Swinney expressed confidence that a final deal to nationalise the harbour could be sealed before the end of 2026.
Harbour Upgrades Essential for New Ferries
The urgent need for the acquisition stems from the harbour's current infrastructure, which is unable to accommodate two new, larger ferries destined for the Arran route. The MV Glen Sannox has been in service since January 2025, but because Ardrossan cannot dock it, the vessel has been operating from Troon, further down the Ayrshire coast.
Its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, faces further delays and may not enter service until early 2027. Both vessels, originally due in 2018, have become symbols of the crisis, with costs ballooning to an estimated £460m against an initial contract of £97m.
Ministers plan to undertake significant upgrades to the harbour once it is under public control, allowing both new ferries to dock and restoring Ardrossan as the primary port for Arran.
Community Impact and Network Pressures
The temporary effective closure of the Ardrossan to Arran route has hit the town of Ardrossan hard, damaging local businesses that relied on ferry traffic. For over 18 months, the ageing MV Caledonian Isles was out of action, often leaving no ferry service at all.
While acknowledging the 'great frustration' over the delays, Mr Swinney emphasised the necessity of completing the Glen Rosa to strengthen the ferry network. However, he warned that government-owned shipbuilder Ferguson Marine does not have a 'blank cheque' to finish the vessel, whose further delays will inevitably increase costs.
The proposed nationalisation of Ardrossan Harbour represents a pivotal attempt by the Scottish Government to draw a line under years of disruption and secure a reliable future for this crucial maritime connection.
