ARRAN is to get a brand new ferry by 2018, Transport Minister Keith Brown announced last week.

Mr Brown was at Ardrossan Harbour last Wednesday to officially break the news that the Scottish Government has launched a procurement process to build and design the new ferry.

The successful bidder will undertake detailed design and construction work of a passenger, freight and car ferries of 100 metres length overall, as well as testing, equipping, launch and delivery.

The vessel which will have a carrying capacity of 1000 passengers, 127 cars or 16 heavy goods vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2017 or early 2018.

The 20-year-old MV Caledonian Isles will be redeployed on a different route.

A new ferry for the Harris and North Uist triangle route is also to be built.

The cost of the ferries won’t be known until after the tendering process, however, they previously revealed a pair of proposed new ships for the Western Isles or the larger Inner Hebrides islands would cost around £63million including design and project costs.

Mr Brown said: “I am delighted to announce the procurement process to build two new ferries for the CalMac fleet is now underway. I have made clear my commitment to supporting ferry users around Scotland by providing safe and reliable services, and this is the latest step to ensuring we have a fleet that continues to deliver for the communities that depend on it.

“The ferries are being designed to provide a fully flexible year-round service for Arran and the Uig Triangle, subject to final review by CalMac Ferries Ltd, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and Transport Scotland.

“We are now focused on carrying out a competitive and detailed procurement process and look forward to adding the new vessels to the CalMac fleet.”