Tuesday, 21st January 2020 2019/0024497 Mr Paul Wheelhouse MSP Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Dear Mr Wheelhouse, My colleagues and I are disappointed in your rejection of our invitation dated September in which we offered the opportunity to arrange a public meeting in Brodick at which you would be able to give us an update on the progress being made in the Ardrossan pier and terminal development project. As you know, the past month has raised serious concerns about the viability of investing substantial public funds in the ferry terminal and pier at Ardrossan. Major disruptions in the ferry service to Arran were caused by the inability of our lifeline ferry to use the Ardrossan port. Instead, Arran residents and visitors were forced to use the Lochranza-Claonaig ferry which seemed to be able to function very well. We are deeply concerned that the proposed investment of £35-40 million in the redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour will not improve reliability and resilience. The current problems involving the future of the new ferry MV Glen Sannox, which is planned to provide ferry service to the Isle of Arran, have received wide public scrutiny. Since the Ardrossan Task Force is designing and planning a new pier and terminal which will accommodate the Glen Sannox, we question the need for expending public funds on a project designed for a ship which may never be completed. These concerns have been noted by the Scottish government and an "Inquiry into construction and procurement of ferry vessels" will be held later this month by the Rural Economy, and Continuity Committee of the Scottish Parliament. We will be interested in the testimony presented as well as the results of the government inquiry. Arran Ferry Action Group • Thistledo, Shore Road, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8AJ +44 (0)1770 302 546 [email protected] www.arranferries.scot Mr Paul Wheelhouse MSP Page 2 of 2 Tuesday, 21st January 2020 As the organisation representing the majority of ferry users and taxpayers on the Isle of Arran, we are deeply disappointed in your refusal to allow the Arran Ferry Action Group to express our views on the Ardrossan Task Force and to participate in their meetings. Given the serious questions regarding the decision making process of the task force, which seems to be ignoring the concerns of Arran residents, we are now considering all legal options to challenge your decision to reject our application to participate under the Community Empowerment Act. Yours sincerely, Gavin Fulton Chairman.