THERE are calls for the Scottish Government to back plans for a new marina in Arran after locals said were missing out when compared to their island neighbours.
A study by Ekos Consultants in 2022 found that islands with year-round facilities such as transmit marinas have access to increased economic opportunities.
Arran has one of largest populations of Scotland’s inhabited islands with 4,629 people calling the island home.
But locals say it lacks fully developed marine and transmit pontoon infrastructure, particularly when compared to neighbouring islands with smaller populations.
While Arran has just one "step ashore" pontoon at Lochranza, Islay, with a population of 3200, has a 34-berth marina at Port Ellen.
Meanwhile, Castlebay in Barra – which has a population of around 1300 - has a 32-berth marina with visiting yachts helping to stimulate the local economy.
Mull, with a population of 2800, also has a 60-beth marina in Tobermory.
Islanders have been engaging with North Ayrshire Council, three local MSPs and written to the Scottish Government’s Business Minister Richard Lochhead.
Yet while they say all parties support their call for the planning and construction of a new marina, funding is yet to be secured.
“A fully operational marina is vital for commercial vessels, stimulating tourism, easing transport challenges, and supporting local businesses,” said Tom Tracey, chair of the Arran Development Trust.
We are also looking into the feasibility of running a small, community-owned, fast electric passenger ferry.
“None of this is possible without a marina.”
The stone steps at Lamlash Pier are currently used by up to five commercial vessels, alongside an increasing number of leisure crafts in the summer.
Additionally, they are only accessible in favourable sea conditions with the slipway serving as a RNLI launch point, posing a challenge in emergencies.
“All Arran is asking for is the same facilities as every other Scottish island,” said Howard Wood OBE, the co-founder of The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) who helped spearhead Scotland’s first no-take zone in Lamlash Bay.
“Local commercial boats, including our research vessel, are severely restricted in how they operate due to the lack of year-round access at all states of the tide.
“We are asking the council to back this marina project now so that Arran doesn’t miss out on seed funding from the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
“The proposed marina would let boats dock safely and consistently - currently impossible for much of the year.
“This improvement would safeguard local maritime operations, boost tourism and economic activity.”
More than a dozen organisations in Arran have already backed the campaign.
Responding to the calls, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is investing £103 million over ten years in the Ayrshire Growth Deal, matching the investment of the UK Government.
“We rely on local authorities which know their areas best to propose projects to include in the Deal.
“As long-term programmes, we allow partners scope to change projects if that is required.
“We are working with Ayrshire Growth Deal partners to ensure that projects meet the current and future needs of the region.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said:
“We are continuing to progress the Ayrshire Growth Deal Marine Tourism Programme and are preparing for the submission of an updated Programme Business Case to the Scottish Government for review and approval.
“This will be followed by the submission of separate Outline Business Cases for each element of the overall programme including for the Arran elements.
“Work to date on Arran has focused on identifying affordable marine tourism infrastructure options.
“This has included a marine infrastructure feasibility study undertaken by consulting civil engineers at Wallace Stone & Partners.
“Stakeholder engagement is planned from November 2024 to January 2025 to further consider the findings of this work.
“Upon identifying suitable options, the Arran Outline Business Case will subsequently be developed for submission to the Scottish Government.”
