Arran MSP demands answers as harbour purchase passes one year mark

Mr Gibson delved further, enquiring as to what was preventing progress. He continued: “I greatly appreciate the cabinet secretary’s commitment to securing the purchase and I understand the many complexities involved.

“Nevertheless, next Thursday, it will be a year to the day since she announced the intention to buy Ardrossan harbour, and the matter has still not been settled, although a price and heads of terms were agreed some time ago.

“The cabinet secretary will appreciate that my Ardrossan and Arran constituents remain deeply frustrated.

“Will she advise what specific hurdles remain and how soon they will be overcome, so that she can achieve her ambition of ensuring that the purchase is concluded prior to the dissolution of parliament?”

Ms Hyslop responded: “I acknowledge the on-going frustrations that are felt by local communities, but negotiations take time.

“The member will be aware that non-binding heads of terms were agreed in principle between the two parties only a few weeks ago.

“When I met the chief executive officer of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd this morning, he confirmed that the engagement with Peel Ports is on-going and remains positive.

“A range and suite of documents will be required for the potential purchase agreement, which is now close to being finalised.

“There is work for Transport Scotland and Scottish Government teams to do, and I have expressed to them my need to have their advice as promptly as possible.

“Rather than using the word “hurdles”, I would say that there are some necessary steps to go through, including those covering legal subsidy and the financial aspects of the overall deal, in order to allow transactions to conclude.”

After the exchange, Mr Gibson told the Banner: “I am reassured that the cabinet secretary expects the deal to be concluded before dissolution - on March 26 - and that the suite of documents is close to being finalised. However, I won’t let the matter rest.

“I will continue to liaise with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) on progress and look for further opportunities to raise the matter in parliament.”