A government study is to be carried out to consider potential mainland berthing options for the Arran ferry service, the minister for transport and the islands Humza Yousaf has announced.
It is the clearest sign yet that Troon’s bid for the main Arran route is being taken seriously.
The study, which will be carried out in line with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG), will be led by Transport Scotland. It will look at the options objectively, taking into account the local social and economic benefits and the impact on public spending, but principally the needs of ferry users. The output from the study will also help inform the scale and timing of the works at the selected mainland port.