FERRY passengers to Arran were dealt another blow today with the news that the main island vessel MV Caledonian Isles could remain out of service until the end of March.

The ferry had been expected to return to the Arran route on November 20, after being out of action for 10 months.

CalMac said today: "Ongoing investigations indicate that MV Caledonian Isles may be out of service until the end of March 2025.

"We are currently developing a vessel plan for any routes impacted by this delay until the end of the winter timetable. This will be published by Wednesday, November 13.

"We will be in touch with any impacted customers in sailing date order. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene described the latest setback as a "hammer blow", while Labour MSP Katy Clark added: "It’s appalling that islanders and local businesses are left facing yet another winter of uncertainty."

MV Caledonian Isles went in for its 2024 service in January only for major problems to be discovered.

The MV Isle of Arran was brought in to cover the Arran route, with the MV Alfred operating to Brodick from Troon Harbour.

Then the MV Isle of Arran had to go in for a service, with the MV Hebridean Isles heading to the Arran route.

And the returning MV Caledonian Isles suffered a gearbox issue and had to go back for repairs in drydock on October 23.

The loss of the vessel meant lower capacity on the ferry service to Arran throughout the summer months - hitting the island's economy.

Combined with problems at Ardrossan Harbour - where owners Peel Ports closed the secondary Irish berth without warning earlier this year - it meant for much of the year, the service has been operating from Troon Harbour.

Discussions on the Ardrossan Harbour upgrade - which was agreed six years ago but called in for a cost study a year ago by the Scottish Government - remain ongoing.

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene said: “This is yet another devastating hammer blow for the residents of Arran and CalMac ferry users.

“The lengthy absence of the Caledonian Isles will now impact the entire ferry network and with the MV Hebridean Isles on its way to the scrap heap, there is simply no spare capacity in the network.

“By the time it returns, if it ever does, the vessel will have been out of action for over a year.

“The government’s failure to invest in the fleet has left betrayed islanders with an ever ageing vessel which is undergoing yet more lengthy repairs, whilst the new Glen Sannox is still nowhere to be seen.

"This is unacceptable, and crucial questions must be asked. Why weren’t these issues identified earlier given that the vessel has been under repair for most of the year? And when were these damages sustained?

"Rather than trying to pass the blame as usual, it’s high time that ministers finally took personal responsibility for their appalling and never-ending ferries scandal.”

Labour's Katy Clark said: "These continued disruptions have a serious, damaging impact on livelihoods and quality of life.

“CalMac and the Scottish Government must be held accountable for their failure to invest adequately in the ferry network, which has left communities cut off and vulnerable.

“These setbacks aren’t just about one ferry in need of repair. They highlight a systemic issue that requires urgent attention and a comprehensive solution.

"Our island communities should not have to live in constant fear of being cut off from the mainland. A resilient transport network must be a national priority. This means proper investment, regular maintenance, and a commitment to procuring reliable, modern vessels.”

She continued: "This is not the first time our communities have been let down, and sadly, it may not be the last unless meaningful action is taken

“The Scottish Government must step up and ensure the reliability and resilience of our ferry network – because our communities deserve nothing less.”