PASSENGER numbers on the CalMac ferry MV Isle of Arran had to be reduced over the weekend due to a fire sprinkler fault.

The glitch was discovered in the forward passenger lounge on Saturday reducing capacity from 293 to 148 on the Ardrossan to Campbeltown service.

The lounge had to be closed with all passengers occupying the cafeteria area.

One passenger said: “We were anxious before the sailing because we were told there was no guarantee we would get on the boat.

“I was part of a group of seven who had organised a special trip to Arran, with a taxi waiting at the other end, but we were basically left in limbo.

“They also didn’t tell us the reason why they had to do this, just saying it was due to technical difficulties.” Another passenger said: “We were informed they could only fit 140-odd people on board and yet they told us they would just keep selling tickets.

“I couldn’t quite understand that. What, can’t they count up to 140?” He joked: “Maybe they were doing the counting on Thursday night.” The service was back to normal capacity this morning (Wednesday).

The summer timetable stops on September 28, meaning the MV Isle of Arran will no longer sail to Campbeltown.