CalMac ferry CALEDONIAN ISLES currently serves Arran from Ardrossan. Photo © CalMac

Bid to move Arran service to Troon

PortAssociated British Ports (ABP) is ready to invest MGBP8 in Troon to create a state-of-the-art passenger ferry terminal to serve Brodick, Isle of Arran, if selected to replace Ardrossan as mainland base for the two ship Caledonian MacBrayne ferry operation.

Ardrossan is dogged by weather conditions that frequently exceed the capabilities of the port and result in a significant level of service cancellations with around approximately 150 lost sailings during 2015 causing major issues for the travelling public and tourists.

Troon's uniquely sheltered harbour offers the prospect of a reliable service largely unaffected by the elements and would also bring improved road and increased rail connections, with access to the upgraded A77/M77 motorway and four trains per hour to Glasgow.

The 160 metre Troon berth is already equipped to handle the next generation of CalMac ferries destined for the route and currently under construction on the Clyde with delivery due in 2018. At present Brodick is served by the 1,000 passenger/132 car CALEDONIAN ISLES, built for the route in 1993, with relief sailings by the 659 passenger/69 car ISLE OF ARRAN dating from 1984.

Oct 28 2016