Why is the Ardrossan - Brodick/Campbeltown service temporarily relocating to Troon?
In February 2021, the Ardrossan Taskforce decided that the Ardrossan-Brodick/Ardrossan-Campbeltown service will temporarily relocate from Ardrossan to Troon while harbour upgrade works are completed at Ardrossan. These works are necessary due to ageing infrastructure, and to accommodate MV Glen Sannox operating at Ardrossan, when she enters service. This decision was made after considering the potential disruption that may result if services were to operate from the alternative berth (the Irish Berth) at Ardrossan.
What is the Ardrossan Task Force?
The Ardrossan Task Force is coordinated by Transport Scotland and chaired The Minister for Transport and North Ayrshire Councillor, Marie Burns.
The remit of the group is to improve the operational effectiveness of Ardrossan Harbour in supporting the lifeline ferry services and the new vessel on the Arran route. Issues will be identified, and progress reviewed including:
works required to make the harbour operationally effective,
continuity of integrated services during period(s) of works,
possible ownership/lease and funding options,
the entry into service of the new vessel.
The members of the taskforce are:
North Ayrshire Council,
Peel Ports - Clydeport,
Transport Scotland,
Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL),
Caledonian MacBrayne,
Arran Ferry Committee,
Transport Minister.
When will the service relocate to Troon?
The dates are not yet known. There are two factors that could trigger a move to Troon:
Ardrossan harbour upgrades commencing,
MV Glen Sannox introduction into service.
Based on the anticipated delivery date of MV Glen Sannox (Spring 2023), the service is likely to relocate to Troon in Summer 2023, once the vessel is ready for operations and enters service. Customers are being asked for feedback on the notice period within the Troon Timetable Consultation Survey .
How long will the service operate from Troon?
The marine and landside infrastructure works at Ardrossan are expected to be completed within 21 months (+/-) of commencement, however, this is dependent on a confirmed programme from Peel Ports Group. During construction works the main Arran berth at Ardrossan will not be available for the ferry service to operate. The ferry service operations for Brodick and Campbeltown will relocate to Troon for the period of the construction phase.
Will the service relocate to Troon when MV Glen Sannox enters service?
Yes, if Ardrossan Harbour upgrades have not already commenced, the service will relocate to Troon to support the delivery of MV Glen Sannox until the works at Ardrossan are completed.
What infrastructure works will be carried out at Ardrossan?
Peel Ports Group is undertaking the following marine works:
New linkspan on the Arran Berth,
Repair / renewal of quayside furniture,
Realignment of the berth,
Harbour wall repairs and upgrade to Irish Berth.
North Ayrshire Council is undertaking the following landside works:
New terminal building,
New port layout including upgrades to marshalling area, car park, public realm areas and connectivity to Ardrossan.
More information can be found on North Ayrshire Council's website: Ardrossan Harbour Upgrades - North Ayrshire Council website
Will the current timetable be operated at Troon?
No, the timetable will need to be revised due to:
Extended passage time. Troon - Brodick crossing is 20 minutes longer than Ardrossan - Brodick. (The total one-way journey time will be 1 hour and 15 minutes).
The turnaround time at Troon is longer than Ardrossan (total turnaround time of 55 minutes).
As the passage and turnaround times when operating to Troon are longer than Ardrossan, even though service levels are reduced, the total operating hours for the vessels will increase. This means the vessel and the crew will be required to work longer hours than at Ardrossan.
Why is the turnaround time longer in Troon?
The turnaround time in Troon is longer due to operational reasons and site logistics. For example, extra time will be required to marshal vehicles and undertake waste removal tasks. There is also no passenger access system at Troon, meaning that passengers must embark/disembark via the gangway, which takes longer. Furthermore, passengers with additional mobility needs or customers travelling with wheelchairs, heavy wheeled luggage and/or prams will embark/disembark via the linkspan as the gangway will not be suitable, which we need to allow extra time for.
Will fares stay the same?
Yes, fares will be unaffected by a relocation of the service to Troon.
What will happen to my existing booking?
Once notification is received from Peel Ports Group that Ardrossan is closing for a period or when MV Glen Sannox is introduced into service, we will move all existing bookings over to Troon and customers will be notified.
If you wish to cancel your new booking from / to Troon please follow the normal cancellation process: How do I cancel my reservation?
For any customers wishing to cancel their booking as a result of the service operating to Troon, the £10 refund administration fee will be waived.
What will the timetable look like?
For this consultation, Caledonian MacBrayne is using draft timetables based on vessel availability. Transport Scotland has asked us to produce several timetables for Brodick/Campbeltown services. These timetables take vessel availability, vessel speed, service levels and crew requirements into account. Six proposed timetables have been produced and can be viewed here.
What input did customers have on these timetables?
The draft timetables were shaped using the 2019 passenger engagement survey results. This survey was undertaken to gather understanding of service user needs. Face to face surveys were conducted onboard the Ardrossan-Brodick service and were also published online. Feedback captured 1,659 respondents (734 face to face and 925 online).
Additionally, CalMac has shaped the service with further engagement with community groups and ferry committees, as well as from other consultations with island teams.
Why is there no Campbeltown Service for some of the timetable options?
Campbeltown is being considered separately, the service has still to be defined. Transport Scotland has requested that CalMac utilise customer feedback from the consultations to better shape the service where practical.
Can I request a refund if I don't wish to travel from Troon?
Yes, if your sailing has changed to Troon and you no longer wish to travel, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund. Please follow the normal cancellation process: How do I cancel my reservation?
Will transport be provided between Ardrossan and Troon?
We will provide a shuttlebus service between Ardrossan and Troon. We are currently engaging with local bus companies to discuss the available options to support our customers. More information will be provided when this becomes available.
Will there be a terminal building at Troon?
Yes, there will be a temporary terminal building at Troon which will include the following facilities:
Ticket office
Customer toilets and baby changing facilities
Coffee Cabin
Seating area
Staff offices, stores and welfare facilities.
Will there be a Coffee Cabin at Troon?
Yes, there will be a Coffee Cabin at Troon.
Is there customer parking available at Troon?
Yes, there will be 450 long stay customer parking spaces available. They will be managed by Troon harbour authority, Associated British Ports, and parking charges will apply. However, Associated British Ports has advised that charges will not exceed that at Ardrossan and a percentage of profits made in parking will be donated to local charities in Arran and Troon.
How will passengers embark and disembark the vessel at Troon?
Customers can embark and disembark the vessel via passenger gangway or by linkspan if the gangway is not suitable for those with additional mobility needs, for those using wheeled mobility aids, wheeled luggage or prams.
Will there be a dedicated area for cyclists?
Yes, there will be a cycle assembly area which provides around 30 spaces for cyclists.
How far is Troon ferry terminal from the train station?
Troon train station is 1.2 miles (25 minute walk) from the Troon ferry terminal, however we will provide a shuttlebus service to and from the train station. We will provide more information on this when details are confirmed.
How often will the shuttlebus run?
The shuttle bus service will be provided year-round. The timetable is currently being developed. More information will be provided when available.
What will the shuttlebus service look like?
The Shuttlebus service is still to be developed. Consultation feedback will help shape this service. Currently, plans for a bus service include:
Troon Port - Troon Railway Station
Troon Port - Ardrossan
Car Park to Ferry Terminal
The shuttle bus between Ferry Terminal and railway station will stop via Morrisons for onward bus travel.
Will there be a taxi rank at Troon?
There is a drop off/pick up point outside the terminal building that can be used by taxis.
What differences will I see at Ardrossan in the lead up to the move?
There will be less seats in the waiting area. The Coffee Cabin may be closed in the days leading up to the service relocation; this will allow staff to move items and to set up operations at Troon. More information will be available nearer the time and customers will be kept informed of any changes which may affect their journey.
Why has work not yet started at Ardrossan?
The Project is currently at the tender design stage. This stage includes gathering and preparation of all supporting documents, drawings, etc for the drafting and publication of the Invitation to Tender document as part of the procurement process. This is done in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2020 (including 2015 and 2016). This process commenced in April 2022, and will take a number of months to complete.
How can I submit feedback on proposals or ask questions?
The online survey is now closed.
Will further consultations take place?
CalMac will use feedback to further develop timetable proposals. Details for future drop-in sessions will be advertised locally in advance.