Return of MV Caledonian Isles ferry delayed again

Ferry operator CalMac has announced that the return of the MV Caledonian Isles - which has been out of service since last February - has been delayed by a further month.

The ship has faced a series of issues including rust and twisted frames.

It had been due to return to the Arran route by the end of April, but that has now been pushed back to the end of May.

Until then, the service to Brodick will continue from Troon with a two-vessel service of MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred.

CalMac said it had found new issues with the tubes for MV Caledonian Isles' propeller shafts.

The state-owned operator's chief executive officer Duncan Mackison said: "We know MV Caledonian Isles' ongoing absence has caused significant disruption on Arran and the wider network, and that's why we've taken steps to ensure that when she returns, she provides a resilient and reliable service.

"We're in regular contact with Arran's ferry committee and want to reassure the local community that we expect MV Caledonian Isles back soon."

Meanwhile, a further delay to the return of MV Hebrides from scheduled annual maintenance has also been announced.

CalMac said the vessel, which operates on the Uig triangle, requires an extra six days of work to the bow visor and stern ramp.

It is now set to return on Tuesday 22 April.

The current alternative deployment plan will continue until the vessel is back in service.