FERRY users will be asked to share their views on the temporary relocation of the Ardrossan/Brodick–Campbeltown service to Troon at a series of community consultation events later this month.

The planned move is scheduled for summer 2023 to coincide with MV Glen Sannox entering service.

CalMac said it will be conducting initial community consultations to discuss the change and the potential timetables which may be in place for around two years, with work to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour to help accommodate the new vessel also set to start early next year.

Local businesses and residents are being invited to attend public information sessions in Ardrossan, Brodick and Campbeltown to view the proposals and provide feedback.

The first session will be held at the Whitlees Community Centre on Tuesday, August 23 between 1pm and 3.30pm.

A similar event will take place at Campbeltown Town Hall on Wednesday, August 24 from 1pm-3.30pm, while the final session will be held at Orimidale Sports Pavillion in Brodick on Thursday, August 25 from 1pm-3.30pm and from 4.30pm-6.30pm.

READ MORE: 'Significant step forward' in plans to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour

Robert Morrison, operations director for CalMac, said: “We look forward to the delivery of new vessels to help improve our services to island and remote communities across the west coast.

"We recognise that the move from Ardrossan Harbour may be challenging for some of our customers, and it is important that we hear their views.

"I urge community and local stakeholders to attend these sessions so that we can consider the needs of all our customers.”

Last week, organisers of the harbour upgrade project said the redevelopment had taken a "significant step forward" with the publication of a consultation report.

More than 120 written responses were received as part of the process, while 60 people attended public events held in Brodick and at Ardrossan Library earlier this year.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for economy and climate change, said: “It’s hugely important we get this right given the importance of this route. We are in no doubt that improving capacity and resilience is a priority for all partners involved as well as the Arran and Ardrossan communities.

“The comments received will lead to improvements in the designs and we now eagerly look forward to progressing these as part of the tender stage.”