Ferry big celebration to be held after 'Save Our Ferry' victory

Ardrossan Civic Centre will open its doors from 3-6pm on Wednesday, October 18, to welcome people who supported the Keep it A to B campaign.

The Ardrossan-Brodick came under threat after the owners of the Port of Troon launched a bid to poach the Arran ferry service.

Thanks to a huge groundswell of public support, the campaign to retain the crossing was successful.

Now, exactly one year on from Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s difficult to believe that it was almost one year ago that Troon launched a bid to take the Arran ferry.

“But the people of North Ayrshire responded. Ordinary members of the public, local community groups and businesses, politicians from all political parties came together to fight for the launch of the Keep it A to B campaign, a special celebration is being staged.

An open invitation is being issued to people to drop in to Ardrossan Civic Centre next Wednesday where tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

The celebration was given the go-ahead after a meeting of the Full Council agreed to mark the contribution made by grassroots community supporters to the campaign.

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s difficult to believe that it was almost one year ago that Troon launched a bid to take the Arran ferry.

“But the people of North Ayrshire responded. Ordinary members of the public, local community groups and businesses, politicians from all political parties came together to fight for the Ardrossan-Brodick crossing.

“Thankfully, we put forward a strong and passionate case and were ultimately successful. So this celebration is about marking the efforts of the community who made such a massive contribution in saving this vital ferry route.

“We would urge anyone who played a part to drop in and enjoy a cuppa.”

A separate celebration drop-in event will also be held at Brodick Hall on Arran on Monday, 23 October, from 3pm until 6pm.