West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has said the SNP’s “chronic under-investment” in ferry services is responsible for Arran’s ferry woes.

The Conservative politician hit out after delays to the long-promised Ardrossan Harbour upgrade - including last week's closure of the port's Irish berth - and a spate of ferry cancellations due to the weather and problems with the ageing fleet.

Mr Greene said today: "This is a double whammy for beleaguered islanders – with one vessel out of service due to corroding ports and the other suffering engine problems – leaving Arran with no service at all for days.

"Cancellations caused by the current wild weather are one thing, but the constant over-reliance on an ageing, unreliable ferry fleet – due to the SNP’s gross mismanagement – means they are forever being let down.

"The economy of Arran is suffering, and being stranded has a huge impact on people’s day-to-day lives.

"The SNP still refuse to take responsibility for their chronic under-investment in lifeline ferry services which – in the scandalous absence of the long overdue Ferguson Marine vessels – is leading to so many technical cancellations.

"They must guarantee that services will be up and running as a matter of urgency once the bad weather issues has subsided."

A Scottish Government spokesperson responded: "The Scottish Government has invested in excess of £2billion in the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Service, the Northern Isles Ferry Service and ferry infrastructure since 2007.

"We recognise the need to accelerate investment in new vessels, which is why the Scottish Government is providing long-term investment to allow the delivery of six new major ships for Calmac by 2026.

"This includes funding of up to £200million, between 2022 to 2025, for CMAL to procure four new major vessels for Islay and the Little Minch routes. These are now well under construction and are covered by builders refund guarantees.

"It is the responsibility of the harbour authority, Peel Ports Group, to examine and ensure safe use of the harbour.

"We are working closely with CalMac to deliver the best service possible for the island communities given the severe weather which continues to have a significant impact across the network.

"The safety of passengers, crew and shore staff is paramount."