There are growing fears that the Ardrossan Harbour project could be delayed yet again due to the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.

Last week we reported that the Arran ferry would operate from Troon for almost two years while infrastructure work takes place at Ardrossan. 

The project is currently estimated to cost between £35-40m, with delivery expected to be completed by early 2024.

However, the Herald understands that lawyers from various parties, including Transport Scotland and Peel Ports, have been negotiating legal agreements for over a year but they are yet to be agreed and signed off by Scottish Ministers.

The leader of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Joe Cullinane has issued a stark warning that the upcoming vote could set the project back months unless the legal agreements are signed off before March 26.

It comes as the pre-election period, called purdah, prevents the Scottish Government from making announcements during the period of the election campaign. 

Cllr. Joe Cullinane said: “I think the people of North Ayrshire, and Arran in particular, have been very tolerant to date after repeated delays to both the ferry and the Ardrossan Harbour upgrade.

“It's almost four years since we won the campaign to keep the Ardrossan to Brodick route and since then it seems that we have faced one set back after another. Every time we make progress, another obstacle is placed in our way. 

“We are now at the stage where the project is effectively ready to go to design, procurement and then delivery. But to get there we need the various legal agreements to be signed off and we now face a race against time to get that done before the election.

“It would be entirely unacceptable if the people of North Ayrshire faced further delays to this much needed investment in the Harbour’s infrastructure because of the election. 

“If the legal agreements aren’t signed before March 26, then the earliest they can be will be the other side of the election. 

“However, should we have a change of government, or even a change of Islands Minister, we will be looking at the fourth Minister tasked with chairing the taskforce in four years and a delay of months.

“It is absolutely vital that minds are focused on meeting the March 26 deadline. That’s what the people of Arran, Ardrossan and North Ayrshire deserve.”

When asked by the Herald if the legal agreements will be signed off by Scottish Ministers before the election campaign a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to the delivery of effective and efficient ferry services to Arran from Ardrossan.

"Infrastructure works at Ardrossan are expected to commence in the Summer of 2022, following completion of the necessary legal agreements and the tender to appoint a contractor to undertake those works.

"A detailed programme will be provided when a contractor has been appointed.”   

Peel Ports declined to comment.