Return of main Arran ferry delayed due to gearbox problem

The MV Caledonian Isles has been out of service since February

A CalMac ferry due to return to active service in the west of Scotland for the first time in seven months has been hit by a further delay.

The ferry operator said routine checks on MV Caledonian Isles following berthing trials on 22 September had discovered an "unexpected problem" with the vessel's port gearbox.

The vessel sails between Ardrossan and Arran but has been out of service since February, when annual maintenance at a shipyard on the Mersey revealed major repairs were needed.

The ferry operator is investigating the new gearbox fault, but there are no details as yet of how long it will take to fix.

A CalMac statement said: "We know this unexpected further problem will be concerning and frustrating - our teams continue to work hard to return MV Caledonian Isles to service as soon as possible."

Annual maintenance at the start of the year revealed major corrosion problems which required the ferry's engines to be removed before it could be repaired.

The 31-year-old vessel was initially expected to be out of service until June, but the work has taken longer than expected.

'Bitter blow'

According to the latest update, MV Isle of Arran will continue operating the timetabled Ardrossan - Brodick service up to and including the 13.55 Brodick to Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, sailing on Tuesday, but sailings for the remainder of Tuesday and Wednesday will be cancelled.

CalMac conceded some bookings up to this point would be affected, however, and said teams would be contacting passengers whose trips have been affected.

Jamie Greene, the Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland, called the news a "bitter blow" for people living on Arran,

He said: "Just days after they hoped this service might finally be back up and running again, it has been hit with more technical problems.

"Sadly, they will not be surprised given that Arran has long had to try and rely on some of the oldest ferries in CalMac's fleet."

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We recognise the impact that delays and disruption have regrettably had on our island communities - including Arran - and are committed to investing in our ferry services.

"Delivering six new major vessels to serve Scotland's ferry network by 2026 is a priority for this government."