A CLOUD of uncertainty continues to hang over Ardrossan as it aims to retain the 180-year-old service between the town and Brodick.

Local residents are going to have to wait at least another week before the announcement on the Arran Ferry, the Herald can exclusively reveal.

We understand that a report will be sent in the next few days to North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council as well as Ardrossan Port owners Peel Ports and ABP, owners of Troon Harbour.

The campaign to 'Save Our Ferry' and to 'Keep it A to B' has garnered cross-party support and massive grassroots support from businesses, local people, community groups and, most recently, the RMT Union, which represents Calmac workers.

A definite date has never been put forward by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf but many were expecting him to announce his decision before purdah on March 13.

It is understood that all relevant parties will have ten days to respond to Transport Scotland and that a decision will be taken shortly after this.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The study into the mainland berthing options for the Arran ferry service is entering its final stage and we expect to be in contact with the relevant stakeholders about the next steps in the coming days.”

See next week's Herald for more details and reaction.