CalMac confirms further delay to Arran ferry return after gearbox issue detected on MV Caledonian Isles

The return of the Arran ferry has been delayed again after further issues were discovered with the vessel during an eight-month refit.

The MV Caledonian Isles was due to return to the Ardrossan-Brodick route on September 23, but problems with the port gearbox forced the vessel to dock in Greenock for further investigation and repairs.

It has now been decided that the port main gearbox will need a full overhaul, pushing its return to service back by at least ten days.

CalMac has said that the MV Hebridean Isles, which is due to retire in November, will stay on the main Arran route while MV Lord of the Isles will continue on the Islay service.

To restore service to and from South Uist, MV Isle of Mull will operate on a combined timetable between Craignure and Lochboisdale from Thursday.

The change will result in some cancellations between Craignure and Mull.

MV Clansman will cover the affected Oban-Craignure sailings on Saturday, providing cover for displaced traffic on what will be Mull’s busiest day of the week.

The ferry operator said its staff had been subjected to “unacceptable abuse and name-calling” amid the disruption to services between the mainland and Lochboisdale on South Uist after the MV Lord of the Isles was moved to cover a breakdown on the Arran route.

The move sparked anger in the Hebrides, which faced almost a month last year without a ferry.

CalMac has urged the public to treat its staff with respect after a number of incidents were logged.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry for this further disruption, and we are extremely grateful to customers for their patience and understanding when their bookings had to be moved.

“Our teams are working closely with external contractors to ensure that MV Caledonian Isles can return to usual service as quickly as possible.”