Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has completed the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour on behalf of the Scottish Government on 18 March 2026.
The acquisition from Peel Ports Group includes the full harbour area, the Arran and Irish berths, linkspans, car park and marshalling area, part of the land currently used by the boatyard, and the approach road.
The Scottish Government has announced a series of investments in ferry infrastructure, including the acquisition of Ardrossan Harbour and major redevelopment plans for Port Ellen.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop told Parliament that negotiations and legal agreements for the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour have been successfully concluded. The harbour will be formally acquired by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) later this month.
Bringing Ardrossan into public ownership is intended to secure its role as the main mainland port for CalMac services to Arran. According to the government, CMAL is already assessing short-term works to ensure resilient ferry operations while CALEDONIAN ISLES continues to operate from the port. The government also confirmed its commitment to funding a two-port service until major redevelopment works begin.
In addition, the Scottish Government has allocated more than GBP 107 million for the redevelopment of Port Ellen on Islay. The project will include new terminal facilities and an expanded marshalling area, aimed at increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience.
Source: https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/investment-in-ferries-and-ports/
CMAL published updates on two major projects as part of their public engagement efforts:
Gasay Ferry Terminal Development: This includes updates on the design and development of ferry terminal options for Gasay, with a focus on providing a robust business case for Transport Scotland’s approval. The project evaluates different terminal options (e.g., “Do Nothing,” “Do Minimum,” and “Do Something”) and includes economic assessments, wave modelling, and dynamic mooring analyses.
Mallaig – Lochboisdale New Vessel (MLNV) Project: This involves designing a replacement for the ageing ferry LORD OF THE ISLES. The new vessel aims to incorporate community feedback, improve accessibility, and adopt greener technologies, such as diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. The project also discusses associated shore power infrastructure and port studies.
Both projects emphasise public and stakeholder engagement, economic evaluation, and alignment with Transport Scotland’s investment objectives.
The document (PDF) can be read and downloaded here: https://www.cmassets.co.uk/presentation-materials-mallaig-lochboisdale-new-vessel/
Kevin Hobbs, CMAL’s chief executive, told MSPs that funding talks with Ardrossan Harbour’s private owner remain “in the middle of nowhere.”
Ferry GLEN SANNOX, launching next week, will operate temporarily from Troon with three daily return crossings due to longer journey times. Ardrossan will see no CalMac sailings until the CALEDONIAN ISLES returns from repairs in March.
Approved in 2018, the Ardrossan Harbour Project was paused in 2023 over rising costs. Existing facilities are unsuitable for safely berthing larger vessels, delaying progress further.
Source: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wegzddy3xo
