Ferry service reshuffled after makeshift disabled facilities on MV Alfred 'didn't meet expectations'

CalMac has reshuffled its Arran ferry service after its makeshift disabled facilities “did not provide the standard of access and experience” customers should expect.

MV Alfred has been providing a single-vessel service on the route since Saturday, while both MV Caledonian Isles and MV Glen Sannox are in drydock.

Due to a lift fault, disabled passengers travelling on the service between Arran and the mainland were forced to remain on an accessible minibus during the journey.

An accessible toilet was also situated on the car deck for passengers due to the lift fault.

However the ferry operator has now confirmed disabled customers will be able to access onboard facilities on the service once again after the decision was taken to reshuffle the fleet.

On Wednesday, CalMac said it would redeploy MV Isle of Arran to operate on the route until repairs to MV Alfred’s lift are completed.

“MV Alfred’s lift is currently out of service, which restricts access to passenger decks for customers who are unable to use stairs,” a CalMac spokeswoman said.

“Temporary, safety-approved arrangements were introduced to keep the service operating, but monitoring showed that these did not provide the standard of access and experience we expect customers to have.

“To resolve this and to ensure customers can travel with access to onboard facilities and greater comfort, we have taken the decision to redeploy MV Isle of Arran to operate on the route until repairs to MV Alfred’s lift are completed.”

The decision will cause disruption on some routes, and CalMac apologised to those impacted.

However, the company spokesperson said all islands will continue to be served by a vessel.

CalMac previously said the MV Alfred’s lift was expected to be fixed by the week beginning January 19.