A West Scotland politician has called on colleagues and community figures to come together in a new bid to save Ardrossan Harbour - five years after the success of the previous “Save Our Ferry” campaign.

It follows last Friday's announcement that the Irish Berth at Ardrossan Harbour will close permanently following the discovery of corrosion under the waterline.

It is the latest blow to the local ferry network, which has seemed blighted by problems in recent months.

The “Save Our Ferry” campaign was set up by the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, local politicians and residents in 2018 to preserve Ardrossan as the home of the main Arran ferry route.

It followed a bid by Troon harbour to become the main port for the ferry to Brodick.

The Scottish Government firmly backed Ardrossan. However, with the condition of the harbour deteriorating freight services are already sailing from Troon to Arran.

And when Arran's two new ferries arrive, they will sail from Troon until the much delayed improvements to Ardrossan harbour are carried out - because the design won't let them berth there at the moment.

Now, West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene said: "With poor weather, mechanical and structural issues with vessels, and now the berth being out of action, locals have become increasingly concerned and frustrated.

"The closure of the berth has inflamed concerns that Ardrossan will permanently lose its place as the home of the main Arran ferry route, which was set to temporarily move to Troon upon completion of the Glen Sannox."

Mr Greene insisted Ardrossan should “absolutely” remain the base for the Arran ferry, and has called on local politicians, campaigners and activists to “come together and stand up for Ardrossan’s historic role as the base for the ferry".

He said he wanted to revive the campaign and its spirit of local purpose and togetherness, which “showed us all what the community was capable of when it comes together.”

Mr Greene added: “With the Irish berth out of action, the temporary move of the MV Alfred to Troon, and longer-term plans for the MV Glen Sannox to operate out of Troon, it is becoming clear to the Ardrossan community that its place as the base for the Arran route is being slowly eroded away.

“Some eight years ago local politicians of every colour came together in a superbly orchestrated campaign by the local paper to Save the Port.

“Once again it’s time to put our party differences aside to ‘Save Our Port’ and advocate for its proper redevelopment so that Ardrossan Harbour is fit to continue its historic role long into the future.”