Passenger traffic on the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry route has plummeted compared to pre-pandemic levels, a new report reveals.

The Scottish Transport Statistics official publication, released by the Scottish Government, says passenger numbers on the route fell by 150,000 journeys in just three years.

According to the figures, 692,500 people used the Ardrossan-Brodick route in 2022 - down from 849,500 in 2019, the last year before the Covid pandemic.

West of Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark described the fall as "deeply troubling".

CalMac admitted they shared concerns over the over the figures, but pointed out that passenger numbers on Ardrossan-Brodick in 2023 increased year-on-year 720,418.

They also said the figures did not include travel on their Lochranza service.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said they were committed to investing in ferry services, and Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop had spoken to CalMac to convey her concerns.

Ms Clark said: “A decline of 150,000 journeys in just three years on CalMac’s busiest route is deeply worrying. Islanders have endured frequent delays and cancellations in recent years and we are seeing the impact.

“Tourism has long been the lifeblood of Arran. Now, visitor numbers are effected, sailings are less reliable and even the visitor centre on the island is set to close due to Scottish Government cuts.

"These issues are only compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project and the repeated delays to the vessels under construction for the route.

“It’s Arran’s communities who suffer as a result of these economic blows. Planning and investment is needed to support the island. I intend to continue holding the Scottish Government to account on these points.”

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Pauline Blackshaw, CalMac's director of strategy and change, said: “We fully recognise and share the concerns highlighted regarding the noticeable decline in passenger numbers on one of CalMac’s busiest route over the past three years.

"The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently the cost-of-living increases, have been profound and far-reaching, affecting not just our operations but the very fabric of the communities we serve, including the Isle of Arran.

"These issues have undeniably influenced travel habits, leading to a slower recovery in passenger numbers than we had all hoped for.

“Weather is the main reason why routes are disrupted but we also recognise the impact of technical issues and breakdowns, which have been extremely challenging for customers and the local community in recent years.

"These issues have been compounded further by the poor condition of the Ardrossan berth and more recently the closing of the Irish berth, resulting in an increased level of diversions.

“We are working hard with third parties and stakeholders to address these issues whilst also investing record sums in our ageing fleet to maintain resilience.

"This investment in maintenance grew to well over £43m in 2023 compared with just £20m in 2017.

“We are also looking forward to the introduction of the two new vessels for Arran which will greatly improve resilience and will be very welcome to those who rely on these essential services.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We recognise the impact that delays and disruption have regrettably had on our island communities and this government is committed to investing in our ferry services. 

“Delivering six new major vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network by 2026 is a priority. We have invested more than £2 billion in our ferry services since 2007 and we have outlined plans to invest around £700 million in a five year plan to improve ferry infrastructure. 

“The delay regarding the MV Caledonian Isles is regrettable and we expect CalMac to be working with the experts in the field to ensure work is progressed at pace.

"The Cabinet Secretary for Transport has spoken with CalMac to convey her concern and stress that everything must be done to address capacity and provide assurances for the Arran community ahead of the busy summer season.”