Ferry route cancelled for further four weeks, CalMac confirm

MV Alfred will continue to operate between Ardrossan and Brodick, on Arran, alongside MV Caledonian Isles.

20th Jul 2023

A CalMac ferry route which was due to be back in service next Thursday has been cancelled for a further four weeks.

The Ardrossan to Campbeltown route will not be operational until August 24 at the earliest, the ferry operator has said.

Estimates which were given by CalMac in mi- June said that the MV Hebridean Isles should be back in service around July 27.

MV Alfred will continue to operate between Ardrossan and Brodick, on Arran, alongside MV Caledonian Isles.

The MV Isle of Arran will continue to operate alongside MV Finlaggan on a two-vessel service on Islay.

Robert Morrison, operations director for CalMac, said: “Unfortunately, despite extensive sea and berthing trials, the issues which are affecting the vessel’s manoeuvrability are still apparent. For this reason, we are not currently in a position where the Hebridean Isles can return to service. This is very disappointing news, and I apologise to our customers and communities.

“We have started a detailed review of options for further investigation and maintenance, and the outcome of this review will be discussed internally as a matter of priority. Further updates will be provided when available.

“Our team is continuing to work hard to do whatever we can to minimise disruption and vessel deployment plans beyond August 25 will remain under review based on the wider network needs.”