THE campaign to save the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route is gathering pace – with over 2000 people officially pledging their support in just over a week.

North Ayrshire Council revealed that an astonishing 2299 people have signed a letter to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, backing the shortest, fastest, cheapest crossing between Arran and the mainland.

Most have signed up via the www.saveourferry.co.uk website which allows people to sign the letter and email it straight to the Transport Minister.

Others signed paper copies of the letters at the recent #saveourferry campaign event which was held at the Ardrossan Civic Centre and at a number of campaign stalls across North Ayrshire.

While the deluge of emails have already landed in the Minister’s inbox, the paper copy letters will be presented to Mr Yousaf when he visits North Ayrshire next week.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many people are backing this campaign.

“It has captured the hearts and minds of people across Ardrossan and North Ayrshire – as well as people further afield.

“There is a real recognition that this valuable and crucial service belongs in Ardrossan. There is also a strong belief that keeping the Ardrossan to Brodick service is absolutely the right decision on so many levels.

“A move to Troon would increase passenger fares for Arran residents and visitors alike. It would also reduce the number of daily sailings to and from Arran and it would decimate the Ardrossan economy and kill off regeneration plans for the town.

“This level of support for preserving this route won’t have gone unnoticed.

“But we need to keep it up. I would urge people to visit the www.saveourferry.co.uk website to sign the letter which can then be sent with the click of a button directly to the Transport Minister.

“I hope that everyone - on both sides of the crossing – lets the Minister know why we must retain the current route.”

As of Monday, December 5, 1,985 people have signed the letter digitally and another 314 people have signed paper copies.