The Port of Ayr has celebrated the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Bute Terminal which will help support customers in Scotland’s agricultural sector and enhance the wider economic prosperity of the region.

The official opening ceremony saw keynote speeches by Bill Grant, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Andrew Harston, ABP’s Regional Director for Wales and Short Sea Ports and Andrew Mackay, CEO of Cefetra Ltd. Held in a grand marquee at the port, the event was also attended by Val Russell, CEO of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce as well as a mix of ABP customers.

Following the speeches, guests were able to experience first-hand the new terminal, which offers 4,000sqm of storage space and will enhance the port’s customer offering. Built by 3b construction, a Scottish, family-owned company, the terminal is part of a number of enhancements in port facilities, including new purpose-built cranes and wide-ranging improvements to shore side infrastructure.

Andrew Harston, ABP’s Regional Director, Wales and Short Sea Ports, said: “We were delighted to welcome local stakeholders and customers to our port to celebrate the opening of our Bute agribulk terminal, which will enhance storage capacity and improve further the facilities we provide.

“This development demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting South West Scotland’s farming community and helping facilitate economic growth in the region.”

The opening follows ABP’s announcement of a recently-won multi-year contract with the leading Scottish trader of grains and animal feed raw materials, Cefetra Ltd, further strengthening its position as the agricultural trade centre for the South West of Scotland.