Campaigners fear a plan to bring Ardrossan harbour into public ownership to enable a major redevelopment has reached a stalemate.
The North Ayrshire port faces an uncertain future because two new CalMac ferries ordered for the Arran route are too big to fit the existing facilities.
Ministers announced earlier this year they hoped to buy the harbour from its owner Peel Ports so that the long-promised upgrade could finally progress.
The Save Ardrossan Harbour campaign says it has now been told the talks have stalled and an early resolution looks unlikely.
The Scottish government promised seven years ago that Ardrossan would remain the main gateway to Arran.
Ministers pledged to help fund the multi-million pound upgrade required to accommodate the new CalMac ferries MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa.
