MV Alfred chartered for extra six months by CalMac

The MV Alfred has been operating on the Arran-Ardrossan route since earlier in the year to help ongoing problems

CalMac has extended plans for the chartered MV Alfred to run for an additional six months.

The catamaran will provide extra resource on the Arran-Ardrossan route through the winter and annual overhaul period.

It will be in place until 21 August 2024, with deployment plans to be confirmed as soon as possible.

Robbie Drummond, CalMac's chief executive, said the company "very much welcome the extension".

The vessel has been operating on the route since earlier in the year to help ongoing problems and cancellations.

It was also out of action for a month in September with gearbox problems.

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MV Alfred is owned by Pentland Ferries and joined the CalMac fleet earlier in the year to help with the route.

The Scottish government previously provided £9m for a nine-month long loan of the boat from Orkney-based Pentland Ferries.

CalMac said it was working closely with owners Pentland Ferries on a ramp modification to improve the situation at Campbeltown and Troon when Alfred is deployed on Islay.

Islay deployment will be restricted to operating to and from Ardrossan until these modifications are complete.

Mr Drummond said: "The vessel has been a valuable addition to the CalMac fleet and has provided much-needed resilience on the main Arran route while MV Hebridean Isles was off service for an extended period.

"Recent berthing trials have confirmed which ports she can operate out of and plans for her next deployment are now under way.

"Everyone at CalMac remains committed to providing our communities with the best possible service."