CalMac to trial extra return sailing to Arran to improve service

CalMac has announced that it will trial an additional return sailing from the mainland to Arran on Fridays.

The extra sailing will see MV Alfred, which is chartered from Pentland Ferries, operate an additional return trip from Troon to Brodick and back every Friday for the rest of May from next week. Running on 17, 24 and 31 May, CalMac will assess how the trial goes and, if successful, discuss the possibility of extending it. The sailing will depart Troon at 16:25 and return from Brodick at 18:15. MV Alfreds's existing timetable has been altered to take this extra sailing into account.

CalMac interim CEO Duncan Mackison said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a reliable service and what I hope this shows is that we have taken on board feedback from the local community and taken action to improve the current timetable and add vital capacity for the next few weeks.

"We have been in regular discussion with Isle of Arran Ferry Committee about how we can improve the service. There is additional pressure on the route given the ongoing maintenance to MV Caledonian Isles, one of the largest vessels in our fleet which typically serves Arran.

"I would like to thank the Arran community for their ongoing positive engagement with CalMac, and acknowledge Pentland Ferries, port and harbour staff and the vessel crew for their support in providing this additional return sailing on a trial basis."

MV Caledonian Isles is due to return to service by the end of August, with CalMac currently operating the service to Arran from both Ardrossan and Troon harbours on the mainland.