Glen Sannox finally starts Arran duties - seven years after initial launch
The Glen Sannox has officially entered service with CalMac this morning - after completing its first voyage with passengers a day early.
The troubled Ferguson Marine-built ferry in Port Glasgow left Troon at 6.30am this morning bound for Brodick - more than seven years after it was launched in November 2017 amid a fanfare of publicity.
Our reporters are on board and we will be bringing you more from them as we have it.
During the test run on Sunday, with crossings between Troon and Brodick, Glen Sannox carried a maximum of 154 foot passengers, 53 cars and two commercial vehicles.
Duncan Mackison, chief executive of CalMac, said: “Operating a test run with MV Glen Sannox gave the crew a fantastic opportunity to stress test the vessel and ensure the experience people have aboard is optimal.
"A massive effort has gone into getting MV Glen Sannox to this stage, and everyone at CalMac is excited to have her in the fleet and serving Arran.”
Both the new ships are having to use Troon as their mainland port as opposed to the Arran terminal at Ardrossan, because of ’essential upgrades’.
Agreement has yet to be reached between Ardrossan’s private owner, Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and Transport Scotland over financing of the upgrade work needed to accommodate the larger vessels.
The Sannox and its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, have endured a drawn-out saga of costly delays and technical problems. After completing its first voyage on Sunday, CalMac said it had overcome some last-minute snags on the vessel. It has been revealed that part of the anchor system requires a replacement, which is not expected to arrive until early February. There is no update on whether this will mean the ferry being taken back out of service, or for how long.
Ferguson Marine bosses are conducting a “lessons-learned exercise” on the Glen Rosa and are set to provide an updated estimated completion date soon. They are understood to be targeting a handover in September.
The cost of the two vessels is expected to be more than triple the original price tag of £97 million.
Ahead of the first official sailing, Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie said: “This must be Scotland’s most haunted ship: years late, millions of pounds overbudget, a fake launch and now last-minute glitches.
“Islanders on Arran will need to see the Glen Sannox in action for themselves before they will actually believe it. After years of delays and excuses, island communities won’t forget the SNP’s neglect of them any time soon.”
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
Buzz about a post box
Thought for the Week
Golf simulator encourages female talent
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.