Ardrossan Redevelopment:
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why has CMAL purchased Ardrossan Harbour?

CMAL has completed the purchase on behalf of the Scottish Government to secure Ardrossan as the primary mainland port for ferry services to Arran. Ownership allows us to deliver the investments needed to modernise the port and ensure it meets the long-term needs of the island and Ardrossan communities.

The redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour is a major project which will be led by CMAL and funded by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland and delivered in collaboration with CalMac.

The project has been mobilised and is currently looking to appoint multi-disciplinary consultants to support the design work required.

2. What areas of the harbour are included in the purchase?

The purchase includes the harbour area, the Arran and Irish Berths and linkspans, the current car park and marshalling area, part of the land currently used by the boatyard, which is leased to a third party, and the approach road. The breakwater and harbour wall are also included in the purchase.

3. What did the Scottish Government pay for the port of Ardrossan?

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport announced on 25 March 2026 that a total of £16 million had been paid for the port of Ardrossan.

The overall figure is made up of £6 million in consideration of the assets, such as land, berths, linkspan, terminal building, marshalling area and roadway, and £10 million for the permanent rights to control the Statutory Harbour Authority area and associated waters, including charging for shipping and services as required.

Other costs for relevant taxes as well as technical, commercial, and legal advice are, at May 2026, still being finalised due to ongoing processes relating to the transfer of Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities – these are expected to be around £1 million.

4. Did CMAL seek to keep the terms of the purchase secret?

CMAL and Ardrossan Harbour Company Limited (AHCL) signed a purchase agreement in March 2026. In line with normal procedure for a commercial contract of this nature, the contract contained confidentiality clauses designed to prevent the release of confidential information relating to both CMAL and Ardrossan Harbour Company, however the price paid for the port was made public by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, in agreement with CMAL and AHCL, within several days of the purchase being agreed.

5. What short-term works are planned? 

The Scottish Government has provided immediate funding to support essential works to keep the port functional while long term redevelopment is prepared. This work includes: 

• Work completed since CMAL’s acquisition of the port (18 March 2026):
  • Mooring bollard refurbishment – work is complete for all operational bollards
  • Refurbishment of steel rope rails at pier edges
  • Replacement of branded signage including key safety signage
  • Concrete repairs to Arran Berth copes
  • Installation of new lifebuoy equipment throughout the site
  • Pothole repairs to roadway areas
  • Replacement of the Arran Berth linkspan gate
  • Installation of security fencing and gates at car park.
• Work planned (May-June 2026):
  • Replacement of low-level pedestrian barriers
  • Replacement of car park entry barriers
  • Reinstatement of lighthouse fencing
  • Repairs to footpaths and boat steps in car park area
  • Linkspan inspection.
• Work planned (summer-autumn 2026):
  • Dive works to investigate Arran Berth sheet pile condition
  • Land and hydrographic surveys of the site
  • Replacement of site safety ladders
  • Replacement of berthing fenders at the Arran Berth and Winton Pier.

This work is being carried out in partnership with CalMac and will continue through summer 2026, taking account of relatively long supply lead times for specialist items such as fenders.

6. Will ferry services continue during the short-term works? 

The short-term works are specifically designed to keep the port operational. We aim to maintain safe use of the harbour for up to two years while long-term plans are developed. 

These short-term works are planned to minimise disruption and keep the port fully operable. It is possible that our inspections could require further work to be undertaken and some of our planned work may only be possible while the service is not running. Any amendments to services required during the maintenance and repair works will be communicated by CalMac clearly and well in advance.

7. What longer-term improvements are being considered? 

We are developing requirements for a major redevelopment programme that will include: 

• Redevelopment of vessel berthing infrastructure 
• Constructing a replacement terminal building 
• Delivering a new road layout, marshalling area and car park 
• Upgrading ground surfaces, operational facilities and equipment
• Delivering a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refuelling facility.

Together these works will create a modern port that supports reliable ferry operations for decades to come.  We will share further information about the proposed redevelopment of the port at public engagement meetings and on our web site. You can sign up for updates here.

8. Will the port need to close for redevelopment? 

Yes. The scale and scope of the works will mean a full closure will be required during construction.  We are signposting this closure within 2027, but dates and timelines will be dependent upon the profile of works agreed and subject to successful completion of appropriate procurement processes and business case approval. We and our colleagues at CalMac will provide clear, advance information on changes and service arrangements well before any change takes place. 

9. Can a passenger ferry service be maintained during the closure of the port?

A passenger service will not be maintained through the period of redevelopment works. This is largely down to the scale of works required at the port, implications for passenger and other port users’ safety and the absence of a suitable vessel, berth, and associated shore facilities from which to operate such a service. In addition, operating any services during the works would be likely to extend the duration of works significantly.

10. Where will ferry services operate from during any required closure? 

CMAL and CalMac will work together, and with Transport Scotland, to confirm service arrangements. Detailed information will be shared once the planning work is complete and in good time for passengers, communities and local businesses to prepare. Further details will be made available via calmac.co.uk. 

11. Will the Irish Berth be rebuilt?  

CMAL and CalMac are re-visiting the port redevelopment options prepared prior to 2022 and will subject preferred designs to detailed analysis in a simulator using data from the first year’s operation of the MV Glen Sannox. While no options are off the table, cost is a factor and we will need to select the design that offers the best combination of service, resilience and cost. 

12. How will this investment benefit Arran and Ardrossan? 

Modernising the port of Ardrossan should allow a more reliable and resilient service to and from Arran. It will support future ferry operations and improve facilities for passengers, vehicles and freight. 

We are keen to understand the needs of the Ardrossan and Arran communities and will ensure the design process takes account of the input we receive through public engagement.

13. How will CMAL engage with the community? 

CMAL aims to engage with the community through a multi-channel approach throughout the entirety of the project. This will include public engagement events and website updates alongside regular newsletters to ensure that communities are kept up to date. Community engagement and formal consultation will be key in supporting and informing different levels of works throughout. Any formalised consultation will be conducted in alignment with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, following a clear ‘Island Community Impact Assessment’ (ICIA) methodology. Any relevant Pre-Application Consultation requirements arising from other relevant planning and licensing legislation will also be fully adhered-to.