NORTH Ayrshire Council Leader, Joe Cullinane, took the fight to keep the Arran ferry “A to B” to the floor of the Scottish Labour Party conference on Saturday.

Speaking during the debate on Cunninghame North Labour Party’s motion in support of Ardrossan, Councillor Cullinane said; “I was elected the leader of North Ayrshire Council six months ago and one of the first things that landed on my new desk was Troon’s predatory bid for the Arran ferry.

“I say predatory because, conference, there is no open tendering process for the ferry service – there has simply been a speculative bid submitted by a private port operator who have lost their Northern Irish ferry service.

“They are not acting upon any demand to move the ferry, they are simply acting upon their own commercial interests.

“Christopher Rimicans said this debate was about class and I have described it in the national media as “Scotland’s floating class war” because the reality is if the Minister moves the ferry to Troon he will be moving it from the most deprived community in Ayrshire to the most affluent.

“For Ardrossan, the ferry directly supports 166 jobs, providing £4.4m in wages per year and brings added benefits such as tourism.

“For Arran, Ardrossan provides the shortest, fastest and cheapest route and an integrated transport system with a dedicated Harbour train station. That’s why our campaign has united so many people.

“Ardrossan businesses, community groups and individuals supporting and volunteering to save the ferry service. The Arran Ferry Committee, Economic Group and Visit Arran all publicly backing Ardrossan.

“My message to the SNP Transport Minister is clear – if you make the wrong decision, one that adversely affects our communities, then a Labour controlled North Ayrshire Council will see you in court as we will seek a judicial review.

“That’s what Labour representatives do – we protect our communities and put their interests first. Delegates I urge you to back the motion and support our campaign.”

The conference supported the motion meaning Scottish Labour Party policy is to keep the ferry A to B.