Scottish Government accused of undermining Ardrossan harbour
The Scottish Government said earlier this year it was considering renationalising the harbour to ensure Ardrossan remains the mainland port for Arran.
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However, former Labour MP for Cunninghame North - now largely North Ayrshire and Arran - Brian Wilson has raised concerns after submitting a Freedom of Information request.
The Herald columnist asked for communications concerning Ardrossan between transport secretary Fiona Hyslop and (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd).
Wilson wrote: "One interesting line had either slipped through the net or been left in deliberately, in which the chief executive of CMAL, Kevin Hobbs, wrote, the week following Ms Hyslop's instruction: 'We do not believe and have expressly stated that resilience at Ardrossan (given the entrance through the roundheads and turn) will never be as resilient as Troon given the open sea approach'.
"In other words, the chief executive of CMAL could hardly have been clearer that they have no interest in pursuing what, in public, has been their obligation and the Scottish Government's aim. So the question now is whether Ms Hyslop's 'instruction' is ever intended to prevail?
"I make no claim to nautical expertise but that is not the issue at stake. The real question is whether, consistent with Mr Hobbs' comments, CMAL and Transport Scotland have been (and still are) working to ensure that Ardrossan never again will be the gateway port for Arran.
"If that is the case – as I believe it is – the people of Arran and Ardrossan have, for the past decade, been cynically and cruelly deceived. To that, I object strongly – and call for an inquiry into the full circumstances, without evasions or redactions."
Under current regulations, the Scottish Government does not have the power to force a sale of the Ardrossan harbour.
It's understood negotiations are ongoing between CMAL and Peel Ports over a potential deal.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: 'This Government is fully committed to Ardrossan serving the Arran route and to investing in the harbour to ensure that the service is fit for the future.
'We want to see progress just as much as local campaigners do. However, as was explained to them when they met recently with CMAL, Transport Scotland and CalMac, a timeline can only be reasonably established and published should actual purchase and transfer of control of the port be successful.
'It is wholly appropriate that CMAL leads on the Ardrossan negotiations. Should ownership transfer be successful, CMAL would be the asset owner and responsible for taking forward any development works at Ardrossan. As owners of 26 ports and harbours across Scotland, they also bring essential experience to these complex discussions.
'We will of course update Parliament and the local community once there is progress and an outcome to report, however, CMAL and Peel Ports need time and space to undertake and conclude negotiations.'
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