CAMPAIGNERS rallied outside the Clydeport offices in Glasgow today to chants of “Peel out” as they demand public ownership of Ardrossan Harbour and restore a permanent ferry to Arran.

For more than a century, regular ferry services had run between Ardrossan Harbour and the Isle of Arran, a service not threatened by the delay in the arrival of the Glen Sannox, the new ferry designed for Scottish government-owned CalMac’s busiest route, but by its arrival.

Despite the ship arriving seven years late, Ardrossan Harbour has yet to be upgraded to accommodate the new larger vessel, forcing it to dock 20 miles away in Troon, a move which has not only devastated Ardrossan’s economy, but with fewer sailings, also damaged Arran’s fragile economy.

Despite Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hylsop announcing plans in February to take the harbour into public ownership, it remains in the hands of Peel Ports and the upgrades remain on the drawing board.

Arran for Ardrossan Harbour chair Wylie Hume told the Star: “We have come to the end of our patience.

“It started in February and we’re now nearly seven months later and no progress has been made.”

On Peel Ports, he said: “Everybody’s shaking their head and asking ‘why are they holding on to it?’

“They’re getting no revenue from it, there’s no ferries going in. They should do the decent thing and sell up now.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “This government is fully committed to Ardrossan serving the Arran route and to investing in the harbour to ensure that the service is fit for the future.

“All parties are acting in good faith in these negotiations and we will update Parliament and the local community on significant progress at an appropriate time.”