West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark has said the Scottish Government must finally get its act together and press on with redeveloping Ardrossan Harbour.
The politician’s comments came after the announcement that MV Glen Sannox will be further delayed owing to complexities with installing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system.
Ardrossan Harbour was scheduled to be altered to accommodate the new Glen Sannox - reaching the tendering stage before it was abruptly stopped to reassess costs and to expand the scope of work.
Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson has also pressed First Minister Humza Yousaf on when upgrading work at Ardrossan will start and finish.
Negotiations between North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government and Ardrossan Harbour owners Peel Ports have resulted in little progress with the first step of the process, a new business plan, many months overdue.
Commenting on the news the Glen Sannox has been delayed for another two months, Ms Clark said: “This news is yet another blow for islanders who have now been waiting an astonishing six years for this urgently needed vessel to be completed.
“It also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to now make progress on the project to redevelop Ardrossan Harbour, which is necessary to run the vessel on this route in the long term. Months after it was promised, we are still waiting for the refreshed business plan to be published.
“It is seven years and seven transport ministers since Ardrossan won the campaign to keep the ferry service to Arran. As the Glen Sannox finally nears entering service at the end of July, the Scottish Government must finally get its act together, make progress on the harbour and firmly commit that the vessel will be running from Ardrossan in the long term come what may.”
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