Deal to nationalise 'ferry fiasco' harbour at 'advanced stage', says Scotland's first minister

Ardrossan Harbour, once a vital link to the Isle of Arran, is set to be bought by the Scottish government and upgraded so ferry services can resume.

Discussions with private operator Peel Ports about nationalising the harbour are at a "well-advanced stage", according to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney.

Reports suggest a price was agreed in October, and it is hoped a deal could be completed before the end of 2026.

The current site cannot dock two new ferries on the route between the mainland and the Isle of Arran because they are too big - just another setback for the harbour at the centre of what's been Scotland's "ferry fiasco".

Ministers are reportedly looking to upgrade it once under public ownership.

The Glen Sannox has been in service since last January, while the Glen Rosa could be delayed from entering service until early 2027.

With the harbour at Ardrossan too small for the larger vessels, the Glen Sannox has been running from Troon, further down the Ayrshire coast.

The MV Caledonian Isles was out of action for more than 18 months, meaning there were regularly no ferries between Ardrossan and Arran.

'Complex' deal now 'well-advanced'

Mr Swinney said the Scottish government was committed to delivering ferry services for Arran from Ardrossan.

"It's a complex negotiation and a complex agreement and I would say it's at a well-advanced stage," he said.

Asked if the deal would be sealed by the end of 2026, the first minister said it would.

His comments come after the latest delay to the delivery of the Glen Rosa, one of the ferries due to run the route between Arran and the mainland. The vessel may not be in service until 2027.

The Glen Rosa and the Glen Sannox were due to enter service by 2018 but went massively over budget, costing an estimated £460m despite a £97m contract price.

Read more from Sky News:
Snow warnings upgraded to amber
Scotland's 'most boring town'
'Butcher surgeon' evidence destroyed

The further delays to the Glen Rosa will increase costs, but the first minister said there was no "blank cheque" for the government-owned shipyard Ferguson Marine to finish it.

"We've got to get this vessel completed, because the network requires it and we're seeing the benefits of the service of the Glen Sannox," he said.

The first minister added: "The Glen Rosa should have been completed much earlier, and it's a source of great frustration that's not the case.

"But the vessel is required, and we will have to complete the vessel to make sure the ferry network is strengthened as a consequence."

(c) Sky News 2026: Deal to nationalise 'ferry fiasco' harbour at 'advanced stage', says Scotland's first minister