CALMAC has confirmed the return date of the MV Caledonian Isles ferry – just a few days later than recently advertised.
The ferry company confirmed on Tuesday that the vessel - which has been out of action since January 2024 when it went in for its annual service - will now return on Thursday, June 12.
Until Tuesday, the ageing vessel had been expected back on June 9.
The ferry has been undergoing extensive repairs for a year and a half but will enter dry dock this week for the final stages of work.
Following a phased return, she will pick up full service of five returns a day from Ardrossan on Saturday, June 14 except Fridays (six returns) and Sundays (four returns).
A two-vessel service with MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred will remain in place between Troon and Brodick until the end of Wednesday, June 11, with Glen Sannox remaining on the route following that date.
CalMac has also agreed with Pentland Ferries that the current charter for the Alfred has been extended until the end of October, with details of her deployment being confirmed as soon as possible.
Louis de Wolff, interim fleet management director for CalMac, said: “We are now in the final stages of the repair plan for MV Caledonian Isles, and we’re looking forward to seeing her back in service soon.
"She’ll significantly increase capacity and frequency of service for Arran, operating from Ardrossan.
“We are looking forward to seeing the vessel back on the water for sea trials from this Sunday, which, given the length of time she has been off service, will be thorough and will include berthing trials at Ardrossan and Brodick.
“The extension to MV Alfred’s charter will give the network much-needed resilience until the end of the summer timetable. Plans for her deployment are being finalised and will be announced soon.”
Ardrossan Harbour has been left without any ferry service to Arran since January this year, when the MV Isle of Arran was redeployed.
