Meeting papers - 17 April 2025 - Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce

Attendees

• Fiona Hyslop - Cabinet Secretary for Transport - Co Chair (CabSecforTransport/FH)
• Cllr Marie Burns - Co Chair - Leader, North Ayrshire Council (NAC/MB)
• Louise Kirk - Head of Service Economic Development Growth & Regeneration, NAC
• Yannick Max - Representing Kenneth Gibson MSP
• Bill Calderwood - Isle of Arran Ferry Committee - Secretary (IOAFC/BC)
• Lewis McIntyre - Peel Ports Group - Managing Director, Port Services (PPG/LMcI) 
• Duncan Mackison - CEO of CalMac
• Stewart Maxwell - Director of Public Affairs (CalMac)
• Graeme McGinty - CMAL - Project Manager (GMcG)
• Chris Wilcock - Director of Ferries
• Caroline Connelly - Head of Ferries Infrastructure & Secretariat to Task Force
• Luisa Casasanta - Ardrossan  & Troon Project Manager

Apologies

• James McSporran - Managing Director Clydeport
• Craig Hatton - Chief Executive - North Ayrshire Council (CH)
• Bruce McClure - Senior Manager, Growth & Investment, North Ayrshire Council
• Colin Bradford - Regeneration Manager, North Ayrshire Council
• Russell McCutcheon - Executive Director (Place), North Ayrshire Council
• Iain Thomson - Isle of Arran Ferry Committee - Chair (IT)
• Struan Armitage - Isle of Arran Ferry Committee - Vice Chair (SA)
• Garry MacCann - Peel Ports Group
• Kevin Hobbs - CMAL
• Kenneth Gibson MSP (KG)
• Robin Scorthorne - CalMac Strategic Programme Manager

Welcome, Introductions and Meeting etiquette

CabSecforTransport welcomed everyone to the meeting, and confirmed that this meeting was scheduled to provide a status report on the project and current exploration of potential port purchase, and for project partners to share their views on this work and any other pertinent issues.

CabSecforTransport invited everyone to introduce themselves for the purposes of the meeting note..

CabSecforTransport highlighted that current negotiations between CMAL and Peel Ports Group are ongoing in regards to the potential Port purchase. No further information can be shared at this stage, whilst awaiting outcome of these which are sensitive and commercial in nature other than both parties needs time and space to undertake this importance process... 

Apologies were conveyed as noted above.

Business Case and Cost Exercise

CabSecforTransport invited Transport Scotland to present an update on the business case, which outlined the significant input by project partners in its development. It was noted that the original scope and core cost of the project had increased, recognising the complexities of the legal and commercial agreements as well as the financial challenges as part of the three funding partner approach. .

Although the business case work is currently paused to allow focus on the  port purchase, ,this work has not been abortive.

It was confirmed that CMAL will be leading on commercial discussions, with all parties acting in good faith. Currently ongoing due diligence is being carried out, with all parties pushing forward as quickly as possible.

CabSecforTransport explained that timescales on when an upgraded port would expect to be delivered would only be available should actual purchase be successful.  However a short, medium and long programme approach will be provided to rebuild trust and confidence in services and to local communities on this important route..

CalMac confirmed the MV Caledonian Isles return due in May, would see a two port service for Arran. An update on the MV Glen Rosa is expected soon.

Task Force Members Views/Opinions and discussions

Isle of Arran Ferry Committee – the community welcome that funding is available for the potential purchase. Queried the target dates for action, and reiterated that Troon is not a viable option as connectivity is critical. Queried what the mechanism for negotiations is. Current ferry disruptions are affecting Health and Social Care workers for the island. The committee also encouraged a speedy decision and highlighted need for businesses and residents to be able to plan their futures and that communities must be informed on progress as soon as practical to alleviate speculation and rumours.

CalMac - advised primary focus is the return of the MV Caledonian Isles.

Peel Ports Group - PPG fully supportive of negotiations, and are deeply engaged in discussion with CMAL, having last met CMAL very recently.

North Ayrshire Council - The council agrees with the current position and that project is in better space with current discussions. Need to ensure going forward that we don’t repeat mistakes – all project partners must have communications and plans to ensure we are clear on how to move forward and what next steps of Taskforce will be. Timeframes of how long work required will take as opposed to dates to support future planning for local businesses in the Three Towns.

Transport Scotland - fully focused on port purchase and to reassure partners that  all required paperwork and regulatory requirements are being prepared in parallel should the purchase proceed to ensure no delay in next steps.

CabSecforTransport - thanked everyone for their feedback and that next focus of the Task Force will be the programme approach – short, medium and long term with all partners working together to progress this  

CabSecforTransport highlighted that building confidence in ferries Services and supporting island communities was an important issue and that she would be continuing to engage with the relevant Ministers to safeguard and strengthen these matters.

Communications

CabSecforTransport noted that Ferries and associated projects continue to gain a lot of media attention, and that the continued collaboration of project partners was of paramount importance to seeing this project through to a decision. 

CabSecforTransport confirmed that a press statement would released over the course of today’s visit and meetings.

Next Steps

CabSecforTransport confirmed that the Minutes of the Task Force will be drafted and published as matter of urgency. 

Negotiations will continue at pace, ensuring a fair negotiated settlement and due diligence carried out.

CabSecforTransport confirmed that the next Task Force meeting will be arranged within the next three months and/or earlier if required.

AOB

N/A

Date of next meeting to be confirmed in due course.