South Ayrshire Local Plan

Port/Harbour Facilities

South Ayrshire has a number of sea port facilities. In Ayr and Troon, these serve multi purposes for industry and as a transfer station for goods moved by sea, rail and road freight, with Ayr having a long established coal shipping trade and Troon having a commercial fishing landing point/market and a new ferry terminal providing direct links with Northern Ireland.

Harbours to the south of Ayr developed historically in connection with the fishing industry, although only Girvan is a recognised fish landing port. The smaller harbours have predominantly fallen out of commercial use, although some local creeling activity is still evident.

The Council recognises the importance of sea port facilities as an integral element of the South Ayrshire economy and is therefore concerned to ensure their retention and further development. Whilst economies of scale have reduced activity at the smaller harbours, they are still considered to have potential for leisure, recreation and tourism uses - especially with regard to small scale pleasure/yacht craft.

POLICY PORT1

The Council will seek to ensure the retention and continued development of existing sea port facilities at Ayr, Troon and Girvan.

POLICY PORT2

The Council will favourably view proposals for the sensitive development of port/harbour facilities for tourism and recreational use at Girvan, Dunure, Ballantrae and Maidens.