WATER transport business Troon Tugs is forecasting a significant uplift in revenue after agreeing a £700,000 funding package to help it buy a new landing craft.
The 64-metre vessel was purchased to help the business fulfil a large timber transportation contract.
The boat was bought earlier this year on the Greek island of Corfu before being converted at a shipyard in Athens then sailed to Scotland. It adds to the company's fleet of two tugs and a timber barge.
The craft, known as the Red Princess, began operating earlier this month.
At the moment it sails weekly between Troon harbour and the beach of the coastal village of Sannox on the island of Arran.
From there it transports timber grown on the island back to sawmills in Ayrshire.
The route has been introduced as a way to reduce transportation on rural roads.
Troon Tugs said it is also looking at other timber routes for the Red Princess with one near Oban under consideration.
The company believes adding the vessel will see it treble annual turnover to around £1 million while it has increased crew members from four to 12, including relief staff,
Robin Taylor, managing director of Troon Tugs, said: "Incorporating the Red Princess into our fleet has opened up new opportunities as it allows us for the first time to operate in waters where there is limited shore infrastructure.
"Undertaking the new Arran timber route marks a significant expansion of our business, but it isn't just Troon Tugs that will gain from the project.
"Transporting timber by sea is cleaner and greener as it reduces road travel.
"Opening up the route will also maintain timber jobs on Arran, where employment opportunities are scarce."
Troon Tugs has been a customer at Clydesdale Bank for almost 30 years and approached the lender when looking to fund the purchase of the vessel.
Stewart Rogerson, from Clydesdale Bank, said: "After spotting a gap in the timber transportation market Troon Tugs has embarked on a significant expansion of its services."
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