GEORGE Leslie is to install new berthing fenders at Troon Harbour to prepare for its use as an alternative mainland port during periods of disruption at Ardrossan Harbour.
Associated British Ports awarded the £3 million contract for the works through grant funding provided by Transport Scotland.
An agreement has also been reached to use Troon Harbour as an alternate port of refuge to Gourock, allowing more sailings per day than the longer diversion.
Transport Scotland said that the developments will support the operation of CalMac services when they are temporarily diverted to Troon during periods of disruption – including in the construction phase of the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project.
Minister for transport, Graeme Dey, said, “We know how important these ferry links are to the communities of Arran and Campbeltown, so it’s vital that we help Troon Harbour prepare for its role as a temporary port of refuge during periods of disruption.
“The award of this contract, through grant funding from Transport Scotland, is also another step forward for the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project as a whole.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to providing robust and resilient ferry services from Ardrossan to Arran and Campbeltown, and I look forward to seeing the work continuing to progress in the future.”
Stuart Cresswell, ABP port manager at Troon, added, “We are delighted that the Port of Troon is able to support both the Scottish Government and the Arran and Campbeltown communities by hosting the ferry on a temporary basis during both the planned upgrade of Ardrossan and in the longer term for backup resilience.
“Works to install additional fendering on Troon’s East pier ferry berth will be starting very soon and we are pleased that, following a comprehensive tendering process, the contract for this work has been awarded to a locally based Scottish company.”
