AGEING ferry MV Hebridean Isles arrived to serve the Arran route today - but she'll be operating from Troon, not Ardrossan.

Strong easterly winds forecast for today (Thursday, September 26) and Friday mean the vessel can't sail from the North Ayrshire port until tomorrow at least.

The 39-year-old Hebridean Isles was diverted from the Islay route to the Clyde this week after both Ardrossan's ferries went out of service.

The MV Caledonian Isles returned to the Clyde after being out of action for nine months - only to fall foul of a gearbox problem before even entering service.

And the MV Isle of Arran - operating on the route as its replacement - went in for its annual overhaul on Tuesday.

For some time ferries have struggled to dock at Ardrossan Harbour due to easterly winds, so the decision was made to switch the Hebridean Isles to Troon until Saturday.

The MV Alfred will continue to sail to Brodick from Troon as well.

The Hebridean Isles timetable will see it depart Troon at 12pm (delayed 11am) and 4pm (delayed 3pm). Depart Brodick 1.50pm (delayed 12.50pm) and 5.50pm ( delayed 4.50pm)

A shuttle bus has been organised to take foot passengers from Ardrossan, to meet MV Hebridean Isles arrival and departure at Troon; Bus departs Ardrossan: 10.15am, 3.15pm. Bus departs Troon: 3.25pm, 7.25pm.

CalMac added: "MV Alfred will continue to operate the Troon-Brodick service, however due to disruption on the Ardrossan-Brodick route we expect this service to be very busy. Customers without a confirmed booking are not guaranteed travel. "

On Friday, the MV Hebridean Isles will depart from Troon at 6.40am. A shuttle bus will take passengers from Ardrossan to Troon at 5.40am.

The ferry will then revert to the Ardrossan-Brodick timetable from the 8.20am departing Brodick.

Check CalMac's website for further updates.