The Arran Economic Group (AEG) has welcomed the decision taken by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown and the thorough community consultation exercise undertaken by the Minister, Humza Yousaf in recent months to name and confirm Ardrossan as the principle mainland port for the Arran Ferry Service.

A spokesperson said: “The AEG also appreciates the thoroughness of the STAG review undertaken by Transport Scotland which supports our original contention in November repeated in February that the Ardrossan route was faster, cheaper and better connected with reliability even, between the two ports.

“The process was useful in positive ways.  It forged a closer working relationship with Peel Ports, which will be developed further to ensure the communities of Arran and Ardrossan are at the forefront of all planned activity.

"It helped connect the communities of Arran and Ardrossan. This will be further improved by the inclusion of an Arran representative on the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment team.

“It also focussed attention on both Arran and Ardrossan and their needs for different types of development and support. Arran`s priority is low cost housing to support economic growth and the long-term viability of the Island community. “Ardrossan needs economic stimulus to support the existing population. Taken together, both will benefit from a successful implementation of the Ayrshire Coastal Growth Deal.”