Civil engineering contractor George Leslie has secured a £22.2 million contract to redevelop a ferry terminal on the Isle of Arran.

The contract was awarded by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).

CMAL is investing approximately £30m to transform the ferry terminal in Brodick with work due to start this winter.

Features of the project include a new pier, building an increased marshalling area and developing a modern terminal building, with bus stances and parking facilities.

Upgrade and maintenance work has been carried out over previous years to the 1970's facility. However, the CMAL said the infrastructure of the terminal is now reaching the end of its 'serviceable life'.

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Work is due to be completed in early 2017.

CMAL's Head of Civil Engineering, Ramsay Muirhead, said: "The ferry terminal infrastructure at Brodick is now nearing the end of its serviceable life and the project will see the harbour transformed. The new pier will allow a wider range of vessels to berth and the new terminal building will improve the passenger experience.

"The work forms part of our overall programme of harbour improvements to promote and facilitate modern harbour and ferry operations around the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service."

John McNaught, MD of George Leslie, added: "George Leslie Ltd are delighted to have been awarded the contract and we are looking forward to working with CMAL to make a positive impact within the community on Arran throughout the delivery of this important project."

Transport Minister Derek MacKay commented: "The upgrade of Brodick Harbour will bring real benefits to ferry users. As well as providing an improved experience for passengers with a new terminal building, it will also strengthen the harbour's resilience by allowing a broader range of vessels to berth. This is particularly important as we plan the future of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry services and look to renew the West Coast ferry fleet."

(LM/JP)