Arran's main ferry out of action for at least another 10 days
CalMac says work to repair one of the Caledonian Isles' engines will take until the 3rd of May - all bookings until then have been cancelled.
Arran's main ferry will be out of action for at least another 10 days.
CalMac says work to repair one of the Caledonian Isles' engines will take until the 3rd of May - all bookings until then have been cancelled.
Customers can book as a foot passenger on the replacement vessel, while vehicles will be taken on a first come first served basis with priority given to lifeline traffic such as food deliveries.
Robbie Drummond, Managing Director of CalMac, said: “MV Caledonian Isles was removed from service on Sunday 17 April after experiencing a failure in the port main engine."
"We appreciate the impact this is having on islanders and visitors alike and we are doing all we can to help passengers complete their journeys."
"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused by this technical breakdown and can assure them that we are doing all we can to minimise the impact."
“The vessel is currently in Troon where repairs are being carried out."
"Engineers are working on a 24-hour basis and expect to complete works to bring the vessel back into service on 3 May."
"This will be continually reviewed as repairs progress, and we will keep our customers and communities updated if there is a change to this date."
“MV Isle of Arran will continue to operate the MV Caledonian Isles timetable on the Ardrossan-Brodick route."
"As this vessel has less capacity, lifeline traffic such as food deliveries are being prioritised. "
"Passengers are being advised that all bookings will be cancelled up until 3 May and that this will be a turn up and go service for vehicles in the meantime. Customers can however book travel as a foot passenger on MV Isle of Arran during this time."
“An alternative route to and from Arran is available from Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula to Lochranza, and we have added a second vessel to this route to offer an on-demand shuttle service as required."
"We have no spare large vessels to use, so we are also exploring vessel redeployment and charter options."
“Anyone needing to attend an urgent medical appointment on the mainland should contact our port staff who will arrange for them to get there and back home through our urgent medical protocol.
“The Ardrossan-Campbeltown service was set to restart on 28 April, and this has now been postponed until the following week.”