Ardossan's Irish berth permanently shut due to safety concerns

The Irish Berth is the only one at Ardrossan suitable for the catamaran MV Alfred

Ardrossan harbour's Irish berth is to permanently close due to safety concerns.

The berth has been used by CalMac since May as it is the only dock that can be used by the catamaran MV Alfred, which was chartered for the Arran crossing.

The ferry has been operating a freight service from Troon since Tuesday, while inspections on the berth took place.

A second ferry - the MV Isle of Arran - continues to operate a single vessel service from Ardrossan to Brodick.

The closure comes due to wear and tear caused by increased use of the berth.

MV Alfred services on the route were paused in mid-January to allow for dive inspections on the berth to take place.

The inspections found that extended and regular use has caused accelerated wear and tear to its structure, making it unsafe.

The MV Alfred is owned by Pentland Ferries. It joined the CalMac fleet on loan to help service the Arran-Ardrossan route while the regular ferry MV Caledonian Isles undergoes engine repairs.

Robbie Drummond, chief executive of CalMac, said: "We are incredibly frustrated on behalf of our communities that Peel Ports have allowed the Irish berth to remain in a state of disrepair, to the point that today they announced it has been closed.

"It is the responsibility of the harbour authority to ensure safe use of the harbour, and we rely on the owners to ensure that they are fully operational. Otherwise, our ability to provide a reliable service to the communities we serve is more difficult.

Mr Drummond added the berth was already is a very poor state of repair when MV Alfred started using the dock.

He added there are concerns about the condition of the main berth in Ardrossan too, but the MV Isle of Arran will continue using it.

Freight services on the MV Alfred departing from Troon will continue until the MV Caledonian Isles has returned from annual overhaul.

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Owners of the Irish berth, Peel Ports said the berth was not designed for regular use.

Jim McSporran, the port director, said: "The Irish berth is a temporary floating pontoon and acts as an auxiliary berth, intended for occasional use only.

"It is offered when available and when needed, such as when the harbour faces adverse weather like strong easterly winds that affect the use of the Arran berth. There is no contractual commitment for its use.

"Initial indications suggested the MV Caledonian Isles would only be out of service for a temporary period, and the Alfred was introduced as a short-term relief vessel. However, the Caledonian has remained out of use, with little indication as to its future, meaning that the Irish berth has had to support the route for much longer than intended."

Mr McSporran added he was "acutely aware" of the frustration felt by of users of the ferry service but safety remained the priority.

The harbour's main Arran berth remains fully operational.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson told BBC Scotland News that they were not made aware of Peel Ports decision to close the berth.

They said: "This is extremely disappointing but responsibility for safety lies with Peel Ports as the Statutory Harbour Authority. They are also responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and replacement of the infrastructure in the port.

"Our focus is on ensuring that any impact on the Arran community as a result of this closure are minimised. We are in contact with CalMac to build upon the contingency already put in place to allow freight services from Troon, and finalising works at that port as soon as possible to maximise options."

Redevelopment plans

Plans were drawn up several years ago for a major redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour which cannot currently accommodate the two new ferries destined for the Arran route, which are being built at Ferguson shipyard.

Funding was due to be shared by Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish government - but those plans were paused last summer after the estimated £35m-£40m costs rose significantly.

Transport Scotland is currently reassessing the scope and costs of the project. The first of the new CalMac ferries Glen Sannox will operate out of Troon instead initially.

A meeting with the community to discuss the impact of the Irish Berth closure will take place on Monday.

Chris Atkins, the secretary of Arran Action Ferry Group, told BBC Scotland News: "It is extremely disappointing that the facility at Ardrossan has been allowed to deteriorate to the point of closure.

"Troon should have been fully operational by now and needs to be so as a matter of urgency. CMAL [the government-owned ferry procurement agency] has yet again failed to provide a reliable solution."

Mr Atkins added that the group were so exhausted by the lack of engagement from those in charge of ferry service provision they have decided to dissolve the organisation.