An MSP has said islanders and ferry users are "fed up" after an amended timetable for Arran was confirmed by CalMac today.

West of Scotland Labour MSP Kary Clark reacted after sailings from Ardrossan to the island were diverted to Troon for the day, due to high winds.

Ms Clark said: “Islanders and ferry users are rightly fed up with the frequent cancellations to the busiest service on the entire Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.

“CalMac is ultimately left in a bind due to the Scottish Government’s long term failure to replenish the fleet.

"As it stands, it is being served by the oldest vessel in the fleet, the MV Isle of Arran, and the only cover is the MV Alfred running from Troon on a less frequent daily basis.

“In June, I was told by the Transport Secretary that the business case for the Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment, which is needed to run the new vessels earmarked for the route, was substantially complete.

"Several weeks later, we are still waiting for an official announcement.

“I will continue pushing for progress on this issue. It is past time we had the  investment and resilience planning needed to run the public ferry service that our communities deserve.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "The safety of passengers, crew and shoreside staff must come first.

"A decision on whether to sail is at the discretion of the Master of the vessel, based upon their professional judgement. When a Master has determined that a particular route or berth is unsafe to use, for whatever reason, it is incumbent upon us all to respect that decision and appreciate why it has been made.

"Neither CalMac nor Scottish Ministers can compel a Master to sail if they have determined that it is unsafe to do so.

“We are continuing to review and update the business case for upgrading Ardrossan Harbour with ongoing engagement from project partners.

"There are outstanding financial and technical aspects which need to be resolved before the business case review can be finalised and presented to Ministers.

“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.

"That is why we have prioritised delivering six new major vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network by 2026.”