MSPs have hit out at Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop, claiming she had yet again refused to give a long term commitment to retain the Ardrossan to Arran ferry service.

Despite being urged to do so by Labour's Katy Clark and Conservative Jamie Greene, the Minister would only commit to maintaining services to Arran were "fit for the future" - with no mention of troubled Ardrossan Harbour.

But Ms Hyslop did reveal that long awaited reports on costs of the harbour redevelopment - and repairs - would be in Scottish Government hands soon.

That did not calm the two MSPs' fears over the future of the service at Ardrossan.

Ms Clark said: "Today, I called for an unequivocal commitment from the Scottish Government that Ardrossan will retain the ferry service to Brodick.

“Instead, the Transport Secretary merely restated its commitment to ‘the service’, which will not reassure concerned residents. This isn’t good enough."

Mr Greene was equally concerned, stating: “It is now clear the SNP are ready to let the historic harbour rust rather than stump up the cash to save it."

West of Scotland MSP Ms Clark began the debate by asking if the Scottish Government would make a long term commitment to retain the Ardrossan to Brodick service.

Ms Hyslop replied: "The Scottish Government maintains its commitment to ensuring the services to Arran are fit for the future and the business case with cost estimates for the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment currently being prepared must be as robust as possible to help secure necessary funds from all funding partners, North Ayrshire Council, Peel Ports and Transport Scotland.

"Can I also take this opportunity to say I acknowledge and understand the significant difficulties faced by the Arran community and operation of ferry services which has been extremely challenging with severe weather disruptions and vessels out."

Ms Clark responded: "Will she give reassurance to people in Ardrossan and on Arran  that it will be the long term service, given this is the quickest and most convenient route and the social and economic importance of the ferry port to Ardrossan?"

Ms Hyslop replied: "The point the member has raised about the social/economic case is really important, which is why transport officials will be meeting again next week with North Ayrshire Council to ensure the business case is as robust as possible"

"Under the auspices of Kenneth Gibson, the constituency MSP, I met with a number of Arran ferry stakeholder interests just last week to discuss these issues."

Conservative West of Scotland MSP Mr Greene responded: "What I didn't hear was a firm commitment that Ardrossan will be maintained as the primary route."

Ms Hyslop replied: "We are committed to that service. I would like to remind the member that the Scottish Government are not the harbour authority.

"That is Peel Ports, and in order to allow the Scottish Government to invest in any harbour that is not our own, UK subsidy control measures have an impact on what can and cannot be done."

Cunninghame North SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson asked: "Can she advise when the final report on Ardrossan Harbour and the structural report from Peel Ports are anticipated?"

Ms Hyslop replied: "The cost exercise report is expected by the end of this week, which will then be shared with project partners.

"The structural report from Peel Ports is awaited, which is also essential to inform the business case. Transport Scotland officials continue to engage with Peel Ports and other partners on this important matter."

Ms Clark said after the meeting: "I’m encouraged by confirmation the report on the socio-economic impact on Ardrossan is expected next week.

“But the insistence that scope for investment is curbed by Peel Ports rings hollow when the Scottish Government has been repeatedly asked to take the harbour into public ownership, which would be far more cost effective.

“Until residents are clear on the delivery of that project, fears about the route’s future will persist. I will continue to fight for the service to be retained in Ardrossan come what may.”

Mr Greene added: "Yet again the Cabinet Secretary has attempted to pass the buck when it comes to guaranteeing the future of Ardrossan’s historic harbour.

“But the importance of the harbour and ferry route to Ardrossan, and the business case in its favour has already been made thanks to the Save Our Ferry campaign, which the Ardrossan Herald backed in 2017.

“But now the Minister can’t commit to retaining Ardrossan as the primary route to Arran."

Ferry operators CalMac today confirmed the Ardrossan-Brodick route will be covered by MV Isle of Arran as a single vessel service until the end of the winter timetable, with vessel deployment following this date currently being assessed.

They said the possibility of MV Alfred supporting the route from March 9, when she is due to return from annual maintenance, was being evaluated.