A years late and millions over-budget ferry has finally been delivered, seven years after it was officially launched.
The MV Glen Sannox has been handed to operator CalMac for more than six weeks of checks ahead of it entering service.
CalMac said it anticipated the ferry would enter service during the winter timetable period.
The announcement brings one of the longest-running political issues in Scotland one step closer to being over.
This follows the announcement this week that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyd’s Register had signed off on the safety of the ferry.
In 2019, the Ferguson Marine yard was saved from administration by the Scottish Government, laying bare the issues facing the Glen Sannox and its sister ship the Glen Rosa.
Initially planned to cost around £97m and be delivered in 2018, the cost is now expected to be around four times higher, while delivery dates have been repeatedly pushed back.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said on Thursday the delivery of the ferry is an “important milestone for Ferguson Marine”.
She added: “The Glen Sannox will provide resilience to the fleet, delivering vital lifeline services to islanders, and I am encouraged that the Scottish Government’s wider programme to procure six new ferries by 2026 has taken another major step forward.”
Ferguson Marine interim chief executive John Petticrew said it is a “day to look forward”.
He added: “Glen Sannox is a fine vessel, well capable of providing decades of service for islanders and visitors.
“However, there is no doubt it’s been a long haul getting to this point, and we sympathise with ferry users who have waited so long to see this day.
“Looking to the future, our ability to adapt, learn from and successfully overcome considerable challenges demonstrates the resilience and skills of our workforce, and will provide huge value as we tender for future contracts.”
The vessel will now undergo multiple weeks of trials by CMAL to ensure it is up to the job of transporting passengers between the mainland and the Isle of Arran before it can enter service.
CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said: “I’m sure many people will join us in celebrating this milestone today.
“It has been a long time coming, but we have now taken ownership of the MV Glen Sannox and are just weeks away from her entering service.
“This is the first of six major vessels being replaced in our fleet, with the other five well under way.
“We are working hard to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure, on behalf of communities across Scotland.”
Duncan Mackison, interim chief executive of ferry operator CalMac, said: “MV Glen Sannox is a welcome addition to the CalMac fleet.
“Her arrival will benefit communities across the whole west coast ferry network, as new tonnage gives us more flexibility in how we deploy vessels.
“Our crew are excited to sail her and will now get to work to complete operational trials and familiarisation work in the next few weeks before she enters service for Arran.”
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