FEARS that the Arran ferry was docking at Troon because of issues with Ardrossan Harbour have been quashed by Calmac.

On Saturday, Calmac sparked debate when confirming that the Caledonian Isles, the current main service ferry for the Ardrossan to Brodick route, was carrying out berthing trials at Troon Harbour.

Back in April 2017, the Scottish Government announced that the ferry would be retained in Ardrossan after the predatory move from ABP and Troon Harbour to poach it from North Ayrshire.

A spokesperson for Calmac said: β€œIt’s part of an on-going piece of work we are undertaking to determine which vessels in our fleet fit which harbours. This information is useful as a contingency in case a port of refuge is required. The MV Finnlaggan also berthed at Troon last week as part of this exercise.”