Transport chief's commitment to crucial harbour

Taskforce meets to discuss issues

- STEWART MCCONNELL

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has re-affirmed her commitment to the future of Ardrossan Harbour after co-chairing an important meeting of the Ardrossan Taskforce with North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns on Thursday.

However, she admitted she can’t give a timeline of essential works, although is hopeful of a potential purchase of the facility in the 2025-26 budget.

The Cabinet Secretary said: “I was pleased to co-chair the latest meeting of the Taskforce and wish to sincerely thank all members for their attendance and constructive engagement during the meeting.

“This Government remains fully committed to the future of Ardrossan Harbour and as discussions progress it is still our intention to utilise the funding for a potential purchase from our 2025-26 budget.

“The input of key project and community stakeholders is of significant value as we make progress on finding a solution at Ardrossan that can be delivered cost-effectively.

“I recognise the desire from the local community to understand when works on Ardrossan Harbour will begin and what those works will be and how they will be scheduled but such a timeline can only be reasonably established and published on actual purchase and transfer of control of the port.