MV Glen Sannox suffers engine fault week after returning to service

The MV Glen Sannox has been taken out of service due to an engine fault, just a week after the CalMac ferry returned to the water.

The overbudget vessel returned to the Troon to Brodick route following a three-month annual overhaul and work to tackle a vibration issue.

However, it has since been taken out of service due to a faulty oil mist detector, which is used to prevent crankcase fires and explosions.

It is unclear when the ferry will return to service.

The other Arran ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, was also cancelled due to poor weather conditions. It is expected to return to service tomorrow.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “MV Glen Sannox is also off service due to an ongoing issue with the oil mist detector for the port main engine sounding sporadically. Work to fix this is ongoing, and an update about tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) service will be issued this evening.

“We are sorry for the disruption to Arran services today and will keep the community and customers informed about any further developments.”

Glen Sannox millions over budget and six years late

The Glen Sannox entered official service last January, six years late, and millions over budget.

The building of the Glen Sannox and its sister ferry, the Glen Rosa, which is yet to be completed, has been a long-running scandal in Scotland, with politicians from all sides criticising the extensive delays and cost overruns.

The original contract price for both ships was £97m, but the total costs are well in excess of £400m. Just two months after launch, a crack was discovered in the hull, forcing the ship out of service.

The decision came days after the vessel returned to service after planned works took place.