Visit to the Port of Ayr

What an excellent tour fourteen Ayr Rotarians experienced at the Port of Ayr, a member of Associated British Ports, on Wednesday afternoon. Port Manager, Stuart Cresswell, assisted by two of his team, Abbi and Gemma, took us on a comprehensive location walk through this working port. After a safety briefing and donning of our hi-viz tops, we were led to an enormous grain store which housed product for Grants Whisky. Our next stop was a “boys toys” demonstration of the massive Liebherr LH 110 series crane and how skillfully the operator was able to manoevre this giant. Regretfully we were not asked to test our own abilities.Stuart then walked us to the controversial Vietnamese built, five year old, MV Alfred catamaran, moored at Ayr Harbour, which is currently going through sea trials before being pressed into service. Ports expected to be visited by MV Alfred over the coming week to conduct these trials include Ullapool, Lochmaddy, Port Askaig on Islay, Campbeltown, Brodick, Ardrossan and Troon. We made our way back to the offices, where we enjoyed tea/coffee and biscuits in the board room, while Stuart explained the history and current activities on site and also the exciting developments and opportunities at Toon Harbour.

Douglas gave a worthy vote of thanks