THE ferry MV Caledonian Isles finally made it back to Ardrossan at the weekend - after a whole nine months away for repairs.

But it was immediately hit by another technical problem - delaying its return to the Arran route until tomorrow (Tuesday, September 24) at least.

CalMac, who were delighted to welcome the vessel back, revealed that metal had been discovered in the oil filter. And they can't run the engine until it is fixed.

A CalMac spokesperson said today: "We are currently waiting for a Clyde berth to be confirmed so that repairs can be carried out asap.

"MV Isle of Arran will run services up to and including 1.55pm tomorrow, and there will be a further update tomorrow morning."

The main vessel on the Ardrossan to Brodick route for years, Caledonian Isles went in for a service in January, where major issues were identified.

But the ferry returned from Merseyside at the weekend.

In a recent update, ferry operators CalMac said: "During testing of the starboard main engine, an additional issue was identified, involving leaks in a cylinder head.

"This issue needed to be investigated and rectified before full securing and commissioning of the starboard main engine could take place, and before sea trials began.

"This has caused a knock-on delay to the vessel's passage from the shipyard on the Mersey back to Arran.

"This work was crucial, not only to ensure that sea trials could be completed successfully, but also to maintain the future reliability of the vessel."

While the ferry's return to the Clyde has been warmly welcomed, CalMac will be keeping their fingers crossed that it's back in full service as soon as possible.