Troon trials are a success

Following successful trials at Troon this afternoon (Wednesday), and due to adverse weather preventing the vessel from berthing in Ardrossan, MV Isle of Arran will operate a temporary timetable between the port and Brodick 8-11 February inclusive.

With the Irish berth at Ardrossan now closed permanently by owner Peel Ports, the Arran berth is not suitable to be used in certain weather conditions. The alternative port of Gourock is also not suitable to be used this week for Arran sailings during these conditions.

Due to port limitations, these temporary services from Troon will be taking pre-booked customers only. Three return sailings a day will take place on this alternative route, alongside MV Alfred, which will continue to operate freight only sailings.

Robbie Drummond, Chief Executive of CalMac, said: "We welcome the news that Troon is suitable for MV Isle of Arran as this means that, despite the forecast poor weather conditions, we can continue to run services between Brodick and the mainland.

"As the Irish berth has been closed and the Arran berth is unusable during poor weather, we now have another alternative port available if required.

"We realise that this change of port may be disruptive to some of our customers, but we are committed to maintaining vital ferry links to and from Arran, even if this means temporary changes such as this. Any traffic carrying essential supplies will be prioritised during this temporary change.

"Our team is focused on doing all we can to support our services and minimising the effect of annual overhaul and such challenges as the weather and closure of the Irish berth on our customers. We thank them for the patience they have shown and, as always, we will continue to keep our customers and community stakeholders informed of any further developments."