Further delays to the new Arran ferry, the Glen Sannox, are expected after reports that a senior manager in charge of its construction has been removed.

Ferguson shipyard said programme director Andy Crossan was no longer working on the project, according to BBC reports.

The Calmac vessel had been due for delivery by the end of next month and is expected to operate from Troon for some time - if the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment gets the green light.

Glen Sannox and its sister vessel Glen Rosa were originally due six years ago, but faced repeated delays and spiralling costs.

Mr Crossan joined CMAL as projects director and technical manager in 2015, just a few weeks before the contract was awarded to the Port Glasgow yard.

In March 2022 he was seconded into the senior leadership team of the now-nationalised shipyard by new boss David Tydeman in a bid to improve the working relationship with CMAL.

Mr Tydeman was sacked by the Ferguson Marine board in March as he prepared to announce another delay, linked to difficulties completing the LNG propulsion system.

His replacement John Petticrew said last month that the yard was on still track to finally deliver the ship to CMAL by July 31.

Final work on Glen Sannox is being carried out at the Inchgreen quayside in Greenock.

The ship is due to become the main ferry on the busy Arran route, but will require several weeks of sea trials by CalMac after delivery before it can carry passengers.

Ferguson said an update on the ship's delivery would be given at the end of this month.