More disruption is set to hit the Arran ferry service after divers today discovered major problems with Ardrossan's Irish berth.

The Harbour Authority ordered all users to cease operations from the berth.

The last sailing from the berth will be the 4.25pm departing Ardrossan today - as the replacement ferry MV Alfred vacates the harbour for the foreseeable future.

The discovery, following a dive at the harbour today, is the latest major problem to hit the Ardrossan port.

CalMac had already made arrangements to sail from Troon Harbour to Brodick when the new ferry Glen Sannox finally arrives on the route. 

Despite vast amounts being spent on the brand new vessel, it became clear that the 'purpose built' ferry could not operate from Ardrossan without major improvements to the harbour.

Those improvements are still waiting to be signed off by the Scottish Government, who late last year ordered another cost survey on the harbour project.

CalMac said on their website today: "Following a dive inspection at the Irish berth in Ardrossan Harbour, the local Harbour Authority have advised that all harbours users are required to cease operations using the Irish Berth.

"MV Alfred will operate the 4.25pm departing Ardrossan to vacate the Irish Berth, however the 5.55pm departing Brodick will be cancelled. "

Tomorrow (Friday, January 19), MV Alfred sailings from Ardrossan at 8am, 11am and 4.25pm have been cancelled, along with the sailings departing Brodick at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 5.55pm.

And CalMac also warned the following sailings operated by MV Isle of Arran are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice due to adverse weather associated with berthing and unberthing in Ardrossan: Depart Ardrossan - 7am, 9.45am, 12.30pm, 3.20pm and 6pm. Depart Brodick - 8.20am, 11.05am, 1.55pm, 4.40pm and 7.20pm.

Look out for more updates on this breaking news story throughout the next few days.