“Auld Trooper” left to bear the burden as MV Alfred is redeployed
MV Isle of Arran - affectionately known as the ’Auld Trooper’ - is the only ferry left serving the Ardrossan to Brodick route after the MV Alfred was redeployed in a network reshuffle.
The leased vessel from Pentland ferries will be used in the Little Minch to allow MV Hebrides to travel to dry dock for its planned annual overhaul.
Alfred will serve Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert in Harris between February 12 and 16, before it travels to Birkenhead for its scheduled annual overhaul.
The reshuffle will leave Isle of Arran operating a single vessel service until Arran’s regular ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, returns from dry dock, where it is expected to undergo extensive repair work.
Caledonian Isles departed for its annual overhaul on January 5 with the expectation it would return three weeks later, however, this was extended to March 6 after experts discovered additional work was required.
A similar situation occurred during its annual overhaul last year which resulted in the vessel only returning to service in April.
Robbie Drummond, CalMac’s chief executive, said: “MV Alfred has been a valuable addition to the CalMac fleet and provided much-needed resilience on the main Arran route last year while MV Hebridean Isles was off service for an extended period. The primary focus for the use of MV Alfred is as an additional vessel available for resilience purposes and to provide relief across the network, including Little Minch services, while other vessels are not in service.
“Recent berthing trials confirmed which ports she can operate out of and plans for her next deployment following her planned annual overhaul will begin soon.
A CalMac spoksperson responded to the Arran Ferry Committee which had requested information on why MV Alfred could not be used during the weekend’s disruption.
They said: “While she (MV Alfred) has been an asset for the Arran community, the primary focus for the charter is to have an additional vessel available for resilience purposes and to provide relief benefits across the network.
“I am very sorry for any issues the changes to the deployment of MV Alfred may cause to our customers, local businesses and wider communities. I realise the Arran community may have begun to rely on the support provided by the Alfred. We are doing all we can to support our services and minimising the effect of annual overhaul delays and such challenges as the weather and closure of the Irish berth on our customers."
While unconfirmed by CalMac, online user groups and industry insiders are speculating that the Caledonian Isles will be delayed far beyond March 6 - as happened last year – owing to the scale of works which they anticipate will be required.
Latest News
JOBS
Business Development Manager - Highland Broadband
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Latest News
JOBS
Business Development Manager - Highland Broadband
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.