AN AYRSHIRE MSP has accused the Scottish Government of treating islanders and ferry users with "absolute contempt" by refusing to rule out a permanent move of the Arran ferry service to Troon.

Katy Clark's comments came after Mairi McAllan, Scotland's cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition, told MSPs on Tuesday that officials and minister were still working on a business case review for essential repair works and upgrades to Ardrossan harbour.

And when questioned, Ms McAllan said no decision had yet been made by ministers on whether Ardrossan would remain the mainland port for the Arran service.

The passenger ferry service is set to relocate to Troon while the long delayed Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment takes place.

And with Ardrossan's 'Irish berth' currently out of action, CalMac announced this week that freight to and from Arran would be shipped via Troon until the issue is resolved.

Ms Clark, a Labour MSP for the West Scotland region, said: “Islanders, ferry users and mainland businesses which rely upon this service are being treated with absolute contempt by the Scottish Government.

“After years of warnings, it is utterly shameful that this service, the busiest CalMac operates, could be relocated from Ardrossan for a prolonged period of time.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: A computer-generated image showing what the redeveloped Ardrossan harbour could look like when - or if - major upgrade work is completedA computer-generated image showing what the redeveloped Ardrossan harbour could look like when - or if - major upgrade work is completed (Image: AHCL)

"That ministers are even mooting the possibility of doing so on a permanent basis is a betrayal given their previous commitments to the town.

“Since it was announced in 2018, community groups, trade unions, local businesses and politicians have all frequently demanded progress on the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project.

"I repeatedly called for the port to be taken into public ownership to accelerate progress, in light of the interminable delay in agreeing grant terms with owners Peel Ports. We were all ignored.

“Today, the costs are unclear, there is no clear business plan in place, and we are no closer to putting the infrastructure in place needed to run two lifeline ferries which were ordered a whole nine years ago.

"The incompetence is mind-boggling.

“Last week, I wrote to the Minister for Transport in light of the news regarding the Irish Berth and I will be writing to the Ardrossan Harbour Task Force to stress the urgency of the situation.

"A serious piece of work must now be done on what the financial impact of a prolonged relocation of the service will be on Ardrossan.”

Amanda Kerr, Labour councillor for Ardrossan, added: “Our communities face real economic challenges and the Government want to remove a crucial lifeline and give it to one of the wealthiest communities in Ayrshire.

"This is totally unacceptable.”

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said on Tuesday that previous pledges by First Minister Humza Yousaf that Ardrossan would remain the harbour of choice for Arran traffic still held.

He added: "The First Minister has repeatedly committed to Ardrossan as the port of choice serving Brodick.

“It’s clear that major investment will be required to ensure that happens.

“Nevertheless, I am confident that he will honour that commitment and the MV Glen Sannox will be based at Troon only temporarily.”