NORTH Ayrshire Council’s official campaign to save the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route was launched this week in a stirring show of support from both sides of the crossing.

Members of the public joined local organisations and businesses to demonstrate the fierce level of backing - on both Arran and the mainland - for the retention of the route.

The campaign has launched under the name of Keep it A to B - Ardrossan to Brodick and encourages supporters to use our hashtag #SaveOurFerry on social media.

It was launched just days after Scotland’s Transport Minister announced there would be a wide-ranging feasibility study to examine the future of the Arran route following a bid to move the service from Ardrossan to Troon.

The Keep it A to B campaign highlights the overwhelming case for retaining the ferry route which has operated successfully between Ardrossan and Brodick for almost 180 years.

The campaign has backing from Ardrossan ferry terminal operators Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and a host of local businesses including Clyde Marina, Invincible Fire and Security, Ardrossan Print Company, Cecchini’s Restaurant & Bar, and Abbotsford Nursing Home.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “Although the campaign has only officially launched today, we’ve already been overwhelmed by support from both sides of the crossing for keeping the Ardrossan to Brodick route.

“The level of support shown today demonstrates that those who use the route want it to continue on its current crossing. They don’t want a slower, longer and more expensive journey with fewer crossings.

“Passengers, businesses, local organisations and residents – both on the mainland and on Arran – have told us they want to keep the shortest, fastest and cheapest route and that is Ardrossan to Brodick.

“The case for Troon makes no sense – but the case for keeping the Arran ferry sailing from Ardrossan is irresistible.”

The Keep it A to B campaign will highlight the social, moral, economic and environmental case for retaining the current route.

The campaign was launched at Arran’s Brodick ferry terminal on Monday with support from members of the public, local organisations and businesses.

Tom Tracey, Chairman of Arran Economic Group, said: “We are confident that the study being undertaken by Transport Scotland will prove that the Ardrossan route is the most viable and will ultimately serve the Arran community more effectively in the long term than the alternative route proposed at Troon.

‘‘This is borne out by a recent survey undertaken by the Business Gateway, with initial results showing strong support for the route to Arran remaining at Ardrossan.”

The launch then moved to the mainland where representatives of local organisations and businesses gathered at Ardrossan ferry terminal.

Doug Coleman, Peel Ports’ project director for Ardrossan Harbour, said: “It is tremendous to see so many local people in both Arran and Ardrossan showing their support for keeping the shortest, fastest and cheapest route.

“We share their commitment to saving the ferry route between Ardrossan and Brodick and are making significant progress in partnership with North Ayrshire Council on our plans for major investment and improvements to the infrastructure at Ardrossan.”

Last week, minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf said that there will be a study carried out to consider potential mainland berthing options for the service.

Mr Yousaf said: “We have already made significant investments in the Arran ferry route, with a new vessel on the way as well as a major upgrade of Brodick Harbour. We now want to look at all the options available on the mainland to make sure we maximise the potential of the route.”

The study, which will be carried out in line with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG), will be led by Transport Scotland. It will look at the options objectively, taking into account the local social and economic benefits and the impact on public spending, but principally the needs of ferry users.

Work to consider the options has already started, with a view to making a decision next spring on the choice of mainland ferry terminal.

Mr Yousaf added: “This study will look at potential work to improve Ardrossan Harbour, as well as the proposal from Associated British Ports to use an upgraded facility at Troon.

“We will engage closely with all relevant stakeholders in analysing the various berthing options on the mainland. I will travel to Arran to speak to the local community and hear their views on the service. I will also meet with both local councils, as well as Peel Ports and Associated British Ports.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our lifeline ferry links and providing the best possible service for the communities that rely on them. This study will help us continue to make sure the Arran ferry service is fit for purpose, whilst also getting the best value for the public purse.”