Passengers urged to avoid Cumbrae travel after Calmac ferry breakdown
A smaller vessel has been drafted in to keep the service going
Last updated 13th Dec 2021
Drivers are being asked only to take a ferry crossing to the Isle of Cumbrae off the Ayrshire coast if their journey is really necessary following another breakdown in the Calmac fleet.
The MV Loch Shira is out of service because of a leak in its propulsion system and the vessel which had been brought in to cover has much smaller capacity for vehicles.
A notice posted on the Calmac website says an update regarding progress of repairs on the MV Loch Shira will be provided on Wednesday 15th December.
It says: "MV Loch Tarbert will continue to operate on this service.
"Capacity will be reduced therefore we would ask passengers to consider their journey and only travel if essential."
Arran ferry route cancelled
Moving the MV Loch Tarbert to keep the lifeline service to Cumbrae going means sacrificing one of the ferry routes to the Isle of Arran.
MV Loch Tarbet was deployed on the route from Lochranza to Tarbert, and also leaves the route from Tarbert to Portavadie without a service.
Covid-19 deep clean ordered
There has been further disruption to Cumbrae passengers with the ticket office at Largs closed for deep cleaning on Monday morning following a positive Covid-19 case.