Frustrated Arran councillor Charles Currie is urging the Scottish Government to commit to vital upgrading work at Ardrossan Harbour after taking part in a demonstration urging action
The Talking-up Scotland fund raiser primarily, finishing in 14 days, to enable the recruitment of some research assistance, in order to take pressure off me [74 in June and tiring] and hopefully to further improve the blog, has made a good start. To contribute, only if you can (!) go to: Talking-up Scotland - a Politics crowdfunding project in Ayr by Professor John Robertson
By Professor John Robertson OBA, former Faculty Research Ethics Chair, UWS
In the Daily Record today:
Frustrated Arran councillor Charles Currie is urging the Scottish Government to commit to vital upgrading work at Ardrossan Harbour after taking part in a demonstration urging action. He was among a group of 200 who marched from Brodick Pier to Brodick Town Hall which featured the Save Ardrossan Harbour and Arran residents group on Saturday. A meeting was later held in the hall.
“Troon is not acceptable as we get only three sailings a day which means people with hospital appointments and business on and off the island are not able to go as the ferry times don’t suit.”
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/ferry-frustration-builds-arran-official-34673183
So, you have a hospital appointment but insist on a ferry crossing just to suit that? You can’t get up a wee bit early and just wait, like the folk in Scotland’s many small towns do when they have to travel for even longer journeys to their local hospital? You’re special?
What’s so bad about Troon?
Glen Sannox sailing from Troon means the same bus/car, shorter train, journey times from Glasgow and fewer bad weather cancellations
Apparently, according to a Bing search, Troon to Glasgow is 35 miles and 54 minutes by car. Ardrossan to Glasgow is also 35 miles but 52 minutes by car. Given that the Troon route is largely dualled and the Ardrossan route is largely single, I have my doubts about that. By train, it’s 1hr 20 from Ardrossan and only 40m from Troon.
So, lets just agree that Troon does not mean longer travel times bus, car or train.
Sailing time? Troon to Brodick is 25 minutes longer, to have a pint in the bar safely, due to the less choppy more sheltered waters.
As for fewer sailings, see this:
CalMac has switched its main Arran ferry sailing from Ardrossan to Troon for four days as strong winds are forecast. Ferries struggle to dock at Ardrossan’s main berth when the wind blows from the east, and an alternative berth has been permanently closed for safety reasons. The main berth at Ardrossan, the Arran berth, is susceptible to bad weather and CalMac had warned of possible disruption to services in the coming days. But after a trial on Wednesday, the ferry operator announced that passenger sailings could now continue using Troon, about 20 miles further south, as an alternative harbour.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-68234115
Finally, why is she a bigger ferry? So the islanders can still get on in the summer rush?
How Arran has benefited from CalMac. How favoured they are:
stewartb
How hard is it for companies operating on Arran – how hard relative to businesses elsewhere?
The ‘Auchrannie Resort’ is one of the largest, plushest hotel, spa and leisure offerings to tourists visiting Arran. It must be one of the island’s largest companies and wholly dependent on its customers wanting to – and being able to – get to the island. On the home page of its web site its states: ‘Did you know that 750,000 journeys are made to and from Arran each year?’
The company web site describes its history in the following terms: ‘Auchrannie was acquired by …. in 1988 with a view to providing indoor leisure facilities on the island. In the process of achieving this objective, Auchrannie has grown from a 16 bedroom guest house to a resort now comprising two 4 star hotels with 85 rooms, thirty 5 star self-catering luxury lodges, 14 retreats, three iconic restaurants, a shop, two leisure clubs with pools, a destination spa, an outdoor adventure centre and a children’s ‘Playbarn’.’ (my emphasis)
Now by any measure that is a history of remarkable transformation, presumably enabled in no small part by a ferry service delivered by a publicly-owned company subsidised by tax payers across Scotland.
Auchrannie Holdings Limited acts as the holding company of a group which consists of Auchrannie Leisure Limited and others operating on the island. What follows are extracts from the holding company’s annual accounts over recent years, publicly available from the Companies House website.
Just prior to the Covid pandemic, from the year ending 31 March 2019:
Turnover = £8,269,643 (Year to 31 March 2018 turnover was £7,690,731)
From the Group Strategic Report: ‘healthy forecast of occupancy for the next 12 months’
Main risks and uncertainties:
– Competition
– Shortage of skilled staff and pay pressures
– Increasing material and consumable prices that are unrecoverable
– Settlement of accounts.
Did Brexit impact negatively its access to skilled labour?
From the year ending 31 March 2021:
Turnover = £3,594,010
From the Group Strategic Report: ‘healthy forecast of occupancy for the next 12 months’
Main risks and uncertainties:
– Competition
– Shortage of skilled staff and pay pressures
– Limited scope to increase prices to offset costs, particularly energy costs
– Higher debt servicing costs due to higher interest rates.
The impact of Covid seems evident on turnover and again staffing issues and now inflation and interest rate rises are impactful. Which of these factors can be attributable to actions or inactions of which one of Scotland’s governments?
From the year ending 31 March 2022 (signed off 21 December 2022):
Turnover = £9, 655,884
From the Group Strategic Report: ‘healthy forecast of occupancy for the next 12 months’
Main risks and uncertainties:
– Competition
– Shortage of skilled staff and pay pressures
– Limited scope to increase prices to offset costs, particularly energy costs
– Higher debt servicing costs due to higher interest rates.
In turnover terms, the company had bounced back from Covid but access to skilled staff (a Brexit consequence?), inflationary pressures including now energy costs, and higher interest rates are regarded as business risks. How much media profile has been given to Arran businesses protesting against these negative impacts on their business – has there been any protest via the media? Perhaps the origins of such negative factors are too far away in Westminster?
From the year ending 31 March 2023 (signed off 22 December 2023):
Turnover = £10,441,415
From the Group Strategic Report: ‘healthy forecast of occupancy for the next 12 months’
Main risks and uncertainties:
– Competition
– Shortage of skilled staff and pay pressures
– Limited scope to increase prices to offset costs, particularly energy costs
– Higher debt servicing costs due to higher interest rates
– Unreliability of ferry services
– Capacity of ferry services.
Notably in the latest accounts, turnover – a rough measure of increased business activity – edges upwards still. But now for the first time ‘ferries’ appear in the company’s risk register. However, notwithstanding its concerns about ‘ferry’ issues, the company reports a ‘‘healthy forecast of occupancy for the next 12 months”: this positivity remains a constant!
It asserts ‘unreliability’ – what is the evidence for this? How unreliable in absolute terms; how unreliable in relative terms, relative to other comparable ferry services? Everyone wants reliable public transport services: every island community wants and needs this. What is a reasonable expectation of maritime transport?
And it identifies ‘capacity’ as a risk: anyone know how ‘capacity’ of Arran’s ferries has changed over time? Is ‘capacity’ a concern in absolute terms or relative to the present scale and ambition of this business?
What increased level of subsidised ‘capacity’ does this commercial enterprise wish to obtain? Does it wish the Scottish tax payer to increase public subsidy still further to meet the commercial growth aspirations of the company which based on its transformative development history seems to have benefited hugely already from the publicly-funded ferry service to Arran?
These seem like legitimate questions in a situation when the responsible government has to operate within a constrained, largely fixed budget upon which there are many calls.
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Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
One man could not get on the ferry at the time wanted. There was a wedding so the ferry was booked for guests. Instead of just rebooking the hospital appointment. Or taking a longer route. People do it every day. Change appointments or take a longer route. The benefits of living in an amazing place. There are flights as well.
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Have you tried rebooking chemotherapy sessions? Take a longer route- you’re asking ill people to drive hundreds of extra miles. Where is the airport on Arran?
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What flights would those be then? If you aren’t aware that Arran has no airport, then what makes you think that your opinion on ferry services is required?
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it was not a reference to Arran. Chemotherapy patients are put up in hotels. If they need to keep up sessions. Patients from the islands and elsewhere are put up in hotels, expenses paid on the NHS. Anyone who has to get specialist treatment and stay over. At specialist centres. Or if there is any danger get helicopters. Air ambulance services. Better services all in than in the mainline. People chose to live on the islands. There are other compensations.
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Opinions here do not need to meet your requirements.
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Latest accounts show that Auchrannie lost >£400k and breached covenants
Ardrossan is by any standards deprived so it is positive that the ferry runs from there
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Flights ?????????? Who far up yerass is your head ? Talking as much mince as the “talking up” numptie !
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I want folk to be able to live and enjoy a decent life (not inevitably better, not inevitably worse) on Scotland’s islands. It’s a wholly appropriate choice to remain or to come and live there.
I also want folk to enjoy a good life in the areas of rural Scotland far removed geographically from the specialist public services that can only be sustained – anywhere in the world – in larger centres of population.
It’s reasonable IMHO that we all in Scotland help a little bit through our taxes to sustain Scotland’s island and more remote communities.
However, even holding with this view, I do get mightily p…d off by some of the complaints coming from some residents – ones who attract uncritical media attention – from specifically and especially Arran, Mull and Islay. Are these islands, these more remote communities, land or mainland: (i) the most vulnerable economically; (ii) the most remote; (iii) the most distant from key specialist services; (iv) the least well served by public services? Are they: (v) the most vocal; (vi) the most likely to seek press attention – and get it?
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Maybe if we had a responsible Government, operating with a fixed budget, that ensured that the ferries were fit for purpose instead of being “world leading”. we would have a reliable ferry service.
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Hi
As an islander myself I do take exception to your dismissive tone of island aspirations. From what I can see the Troon Crossing is about 25% longer, which is what is behind the complaint they will only get three sailings a day. Calmac seem institutionally incapable of working the vessels more than 12 hours in every 24 (with a few notable exceptions) which means their ability to provide a decent service is limited. It also means islands can be crying out for a ferry after weather or technical cancellations but the vessel lies blissfully alongside until the following day. So the length of crossing has the effect of reducing the number of crossings per day, as calmac will not extend the day.
You are right about Ardrossan Harbour. We should buy it as we did with Prestwick Airport and for similar reasons. But the solution is not to lengthen the sea crossing and add a half hour walk. Ardrossan Station is less than three minutes via covered walkway from the terminal, but Troon is a half hour hike. With shopping / kids / cases / sick or elderly people or other impedimenta it could easily take an hour. Especially in rain or snow. Remember this is how they travel when they’re ill. To cancer treatments. On stookies. To dialysis. There is no air service, unlike many other islands.
So I’m sorry. Ardrossan it has to be, and if that means compulsory purchase, so be it.
All the best Peter
>
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Are there no taxis or cars on the islands. People everywhere have to take an hour or more to get anywhere. They get a taxi or drive or get a bus for transport. Often longer than a hour to get connections. There are difficulties everywhere for travel and connections.
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Hi
You’re right, the availability of taxis or buses on the islands is certainly an issue but not really what I was highlighting. Yes, it will take you a further hour (or more) to get home from the ferry terminal. (But one does entertain the vain hope that bus times will coordinate with the ferry. Some islands have that, some don’t)
My point was simply that Troon offers a 25% longer ferry journey which means they would lose one crossing per day, and that there is a very long walk between the station and the ferry in Troon. Both are deal-breakers, because neither are capable of resolution.
Buying and developing Ardrossan is the way forward.
Peter
P
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25% is what? 20, 25 minutes?
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The extra time on each passage is actually not the problem in itself. The problem is cumulative in that if the vessel takes longer to cross she can’t do as many crossings in a day. So by increasing the crossing length she gets later and later all day until there is then no time left for the last crossing. Each crossing then costs more in fuel and crew costs. These vessels cost a lot per minute: time is money. And if you reduce the number of crossings you reduce the capacity on the service, which reduces the income which will increase the need for subsidy. Sure, these vessels run quiet in winter, but in the tourist season they are running at capacity.
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Time to get shot of this abysmal heavily subsidised ferry service and bring in a competent private operator who will provide an excellent service at a COMMERCIAL cost ( with provision for a little profit …) . I’m sure that would get the approval of all concerned , eh ?
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I would appreciate if Professor John Robertson would do proper research and publish accurate information. It’s rather interesting a professor would not do so.
Stating that the train from Ardrossan to Glasgow is 1hr 20 mins is complete drivel. The longest journey time doesn’t break 1 hour and some trains from the harbour take only 40 mins. This is half what’s Professor John Robertson is stating.
He also brings the idea that sailing to Troon is more sheltered. Has he consulted charts or nautical publications to ascertain this information? No! Professor John Robertson has not consulted charts or nautical publications. Instead he has assumed that the crossing to Troon is more sheltered when in fact it was published in the PBA report in March 2017 that a P&O master with the unique experience of operating the same vessel (European Mariner) to both ports explained that “the passage to Ardrossan is relatively sheltered, with the island of Arran offering a natural lee. He noted that the passage to Troon is more exposed to winds from the south through south-west, with the sea typically being on the beam, causing increased passenger discomfort. It was also noted that southerly winds on the passage to Troon would be challenging given the considerable fetch of the swell.” This is very poor of Professor John Robertson for ignoring such information.
I don’t think I need to go on much more about what I think of this report, all I’ll say is it’s very poor with lack of factual evidence in several areas. Perhaps he needs to take a look at the recent Fraser of Allander Institutes article on the impact the loss of the ferry will have on Ardrossan alone, never mind the Island of Arran!
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Hi Anonymouse
All of my statements are sourced. Why on earth would I make anything up?
As for Fraser of Allander? Who, in their right mind, would trust them?
Finally, your abusive, snidey, tone is clear sign of weakness.
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Don’t think I have ever seen so much mince spouted on a website clearly aimed at presenting an alternative reality to one we actually face on Arran (and other parts of Scotland) do you get funded by the SNP to write this propaganda?
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100,000 islanders. 36/ferries. 4 on order. Top of the range innovation that will save over time. 1 ferry for 2,500 islanders on average. Often sailing half empty. Subsidised ferries and flights.
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Strewth, that provoked a reaction, but how about addressing the actual problem, 400mm… That’s all that’s caused this confected stooshie, 16 inches extra draft of the new vessels compared to the ‘Isle of Arran’…
Peel Ports knew what was needed at Ardrossan years before the Glen Sannox was even launched for the first time – They did NOTHING then and have done nothing since despite collecting a veritable fortune in fees from Calmac.
That’s where all the anger over Ardrossan should be truly be directed, the rich owner who from multiple reports has failed to maintain let alone upgrade the port.
For any demanding SG buy Ardrossan harbour, there is a clue that they did indeed try to do so previously if any care to look – SG ultimately had to buy Troon port and pile investment in to keep the Arran service running, so it must have been WAY cheaper than anything Peel Ports demanded.
So for any who feel ‘put out’ by the new route, try some gratitude for the only solution available, solely due to the greed of Peel Ports.
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This is factually incorrect.
The Scottish Government did not buy Troon!!!!! The gave several million to Associated British Ports to alter the berth for CalMac use. Despite the fact CalMac would incur significant continuing cost increase by operating to Troon. This is more money than has been given to Peel Ports who have already spent several million on the planning and surveying of Ardrossan Harbour for the upgrade. As both Ports are Private Ports, they should face the same criticism for receiving public funds. At least Ardrossan provides the cheapest port to operate in the long run. By not spending public money on Ardrossan, you end up spending more public money in the long run to Troon.
The reason GS doesn’t fit Ardrossan is not because of 400mm. By the way the difference between GS draught and Caley Isles draught is only 200mm. Anyway, point is the issue is the vessel length, not druaght. GS is 8.4 meters longer than Caley Isles and 17.5meters longer than Isle of Arran. That’s a much bigger issue than putting a dredger in Ardrossan and increasing the depth by 20cm. If that was all that was needed, I think Peel would have done that on day 1. The required alteration is massive compared to a small dredging operation. You can’t seriously expect a private company to invest money on an asset if they are concerned that their client might just go elsewhere(Troon). On top of this, Peel Ports needs to know exactly what is required of the harbour upgrade, quay realignment, terminal location, LNG fuel tank location, marshalling area size increase, etc etc. This means full agreement needs to be met with all the parties involved, this took time. But now it is not Peel Ports holding us back, it is the Scottish Government who is withholding the business case. Without which the project cannot proceed. It’s been on hold since the middle of 2023. So please be aware, the reason for this delay is not just Peel Ports, it’s everyone involved from the beginning to the end.
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https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/ferries/infrastructure-projects/ardrossan-harbour-task-force/troon-working-group-questions-and-answers-march-2022/#:~:text=Troon%20harbour%2C%20owned%20and%20operated,the%20Ardrossan%20Harbour%20redevelopment%20project.
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whatever way you spin this, what Arran has ended up with, is a lesser service. They’ll run the Sannox at 80% of the Cally Isles’ capacity and tell us they’re running at 98% efficiency. What this “prècis” doesn’t cover is that the service has already been hit by the placement of the new linkspan at Brodick. So, if they can’t get in to Ardrossan for easterlies, the chances are that they’ll already be unable to get into Brodick anyway. And that due to their own design and placement of the Brodick linkspan. And what this analysis doesn’t cover is that there is nowhere to site the LNG tanks at Troon so, how will she refuel? And I hear nothing so far of the reinstatement of the Campbeltown service. Another inconvenience to this analysis? I share many of the author’s socio political views but this is an absolute farce from stem to stern.
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Glen Sannox’s requirements were well established before first launch in 2017, but discussions with Peel over what was required had long preceded it…
There has been much skullduggery behind the scenes orchestrating a media campaign over these vessels and Calmac, and I’m quite prepared to believe Peel were in on it, it seems every other business has been….
I suspect it will take a long time before “ferry stories” fails to bring a smile, and increasingly dafter claims are recounted, ‘abandoned on South Uist’ particularly notable for crass stupidity…
It would appear ‘ferry stories’ will be with us for some time yet though….
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Not long to wait 👇
https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/route-information/ardrossan-brodick/#/
Summer timetable 2025: From Summer 2025, a two-vessel service will operate to Arran for 10 months of the year, except during scheduled overhauls where CalMac will temporarily operate a single-vessel service. MV Caledonian Isles will operate to/from Ardrossan and MV Glen Sannox will operate to/from Troon, significantly increasing the capacity to Arran.
The summer timetable for 28 March 2025 to 19 October 2025 is available to view and book. Read our customer updatr for full details.
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Islay, population 3 200, gets only three crossings per day and only one visits the main town, Port Ellen.
How many islands get by in the same way?
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Why all the anonymity?
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