Ferry crossings between Ardrossan and Brodick have been cancelled today due to strong Easterly winds.

Operators CalMac have launched an amended timetable for sailings between Troon Harbour and Arran with buses to and from Ardrossan to the South Ayrshire port.

The ferry company said, weather permitting, there will be a 5.30pm sailing from Brodick to Ardrossan.

The latest blow to travellers came just a week after the Ardrossan service went out of action for five full days following engine trouble on the ageing MV Isle of Arran. Repairs to the gearbox cooler had to be carried out on the mainland.

CalMac stated earlier this year that the deteriorating condition of Ardrossan Harbour - whose upgrade is still being negotiated by the Scottish Government and partners - means the MV Isle of Arran can't berth at Ardrossan in certain wind conditions.

CalMac said this morning: "As a result of strong Easterly winds, the following amended timetable will operate to/from Troon

"Depart Troon – 7am, 11.10am, 3.30pm. Depart Brodick – 8.50am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm. Weather permitting the 5.30pm departing Brodick will operate to Ardrossan.

"Please note that we are in the process of updating our systems and any customers impacted by this disruption will be contacted by the port directly.

"A bus has been organised to take foot passengers from Ardrossan, departing at 6am, 10.10am and 2.30pm to Troon for the 7am, 11.10am and 15.30pm sailings. A further bus service will operate from Troon to Ardrossan for foot passengers arriving at 10.10am and 2.50pm."

The company added: "Disrupting a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve.

"However, the safety of our customers and crew must come first. In this instance, the Master of the vessel has judged it is necessary in response to the assessment of adverse weather conditions."