THERE are fresh fears that the new Arran Ferry could be delayed again after the issue was raised at two committees.

No-one can confirm if the summer 2019 timeline currently proposed would be met and politicians expressed concerns that the already delayed ferry could be delivered after a busy summer.

Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North said: “This issue was raised at the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee on January 14. However, none of CalMac’s representatives had any details as to whether this is indeed the case.

“The possibility of further delays might just be rumours. Nevertheless, I wrote to the Transport Minister seeking clarification. Any further delays to the Glen Sannox – already a year late – would be a real blow to local communities.”

Conservative West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene hit out and said: “When asked whether there would be further delays to the completion of the new Arran ferry, the Transport Secretary clearly was not confident the delivery date still is the actual delivery date. The ferries are already a year late, it’s not good enough.

“Both mainland and islands residents have had to endure over 12 months of delays, disruptions and cancellations because of issues with the current, ageing vessels. People will be dismayed to learn that the new vessels could be delayed even further.

“This is a lifeline route for people on both sides of the shore, many rely on the service to access key public services such as healthcare, education, famers need it to move livestock and businesses rely on dependable connections.

“The SNP have let the Arran community down and it is shameful that they still have no idea when the new ferry will be in action”

A spokesperson from CMAL said: “Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited provided a delivery timeline of summer 2019 for MV Glen Sannox, and spring 2020 for Hull 802.

“We have requested an update on delivery from the shipyard. We hope to receive it this month, as all stakeholders will need to be fully appraised of progress.”