Arran ferry sailings are cancelled due to tech issue

The 9.45am and 11am sailings from Ardrossan, plus the 11.05am sailing from Brodick, have already been cancelled - and the Ardrossan 12.30pm and the 12.30pm and 13.55 sailings from Brodick are also cancelled.

In their latest update, the ferry firm said: "There will be a review at approximately 16.00 for the 18,00 and 20.30 sailings from Ardrossan and the 19.20 and 21.40 from Brodick."

Ferry staff at first said they were investigating the cause of the 'tech issue' with the MV Caledonian Isles.

A CalMac spokesperson confirmed on Twitter this morning: "Due to the tech issue with MV Caledonian Isles and due to the vessel occupying MV Alfred’s operational berth, the following sailings are cancelled: Dep Ard 0945, 1100, 1230. Dep Bro 1105, 1230, 1355."

The cancellations have already hit tourists planning to head to Arran today.

A cyclist, who was due to complete the Five Ferries challenge with work colleagues, said: "We arrived at the Ardrossan terminal at 9am for the 9.45am sailing but were told there was an issue with the ferry. 

"Now there's no way we can complete the challenge today. I think the sailings will be further disrupted too. 

"It's such a shame because we book off annual leave to do this and see some lovely parts of the country but we've failed at the first hurdle.

"I guess we'll get back in the saddle for an Ayrshire cycle route instead." 

CalMac's website also promotes the Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure, for which participants can buy an adult ticket for £15.15.

The route can be done is either direction and is as follows: Ardrossan - Brodick (Arran); Lochranza (Arran) - *Claonaig (Kintyre) or Tarbert (Kintyre) between 23 October 2023 and 28 March 2024; Tarbert (Kintyre) - Portavadie (Cowal); Colintraive (Cowal) - Rhubodach (Bute); Rothesay (Bute) - Wemyss Bay. 

Keep checking the CalMac websiite - and the Herald website and Facebook page - throughout the day for further updates on the sailings.