Main Arran ferry out of action until June - at least

The 31-year-old MV Caledonian Isles began its annual overhaul on January 4 and was expected back in service three weeks later. However additional steel work will now delay its return until at least June.

The initial inspection revealed corrosion which necessitated steel replacement estimated to take until March to complete. Following a more in-depth assessment it has now become apparent that the work required was underestimated and that it will take significantly more time to undertake a far larger steel renewal and repair process.

CalMac estimate the cost of the repairs will be in the region of £5m. It will also require the auxiliary and main engines to be removed. To maintain structural integrity, the repairs will need to be undertaken in a specific order and will need to follow a scheduled sequence. This will account for the lengthy period required to complete the work.

Robbie Drummond, CalMac chief executive, said: “We know this news will cause concern and frustration for communities across the whole network, and we apologise for this.

“Our team will be working exceptionally hard over the coming days to assess every eventuality in terms of vessel deployment, with a view to minimising disruption for the communities and customers we serve. We will do the best we can in these circumstances, but it is unavoidable that there will be a knock-on effect on other routes on the network.

“MV Caledonian Isles has served North Ayrshire with distinction for over three decades, but like any ageing vessel the scope of work required in annual overhaul is likely to grow each year.

“Over a third of our vessels are now operating beyond their average life expectancy, and we invested record levels in annual maintenance in 2023.

“We are stretched to the absolute limit in terms of network deployment already, and the arrival of six major and 10 small vessels in the coming years will provide much-needed resilience and reliability to the service.”