THE Ardrossan to Brodick sea crossing has been the main route from the Scottish mainland to the island of Arran for 190 years. 

However since last month, no ferries have run from the Ardrossan port, due to the failure of the Scottish government to ensure upgrading work was carried out to enable the new Glen Sannox ferry to dock. This is despite this new ferry being five years late. 

The new Glenn Sannox ferry has instead been using Troon harbour for the Brodick service. And the upgrading which was only necessary because of the design chosen for the two new ferries which were commissioned by Scottish government-owned CMAL and built at the publicly owned Ferguson Marine Shipyard, being agreed more than seven years ago has still not started, there has been no tendering process and the plan is still to be published.