According to West Coast Today, both ferries to Troon/Ardrossan have broken down and are not running. If you have plans, stay alert and maybe consider another route via Lochranza.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11471 posts
The Glen Sannox has been repaired, and is undertaking the 1350 booked sailing from Troon in 10 minutes time. She is prioritising lifeline freight traffic and islanders needs today and tomorrow.
One issue at the moment is that the Alfred (the 3rd vessel) is in dry dock for her much delayed annual inspection, having had her charter period extended again.
The Caledonian Isles is currently booked to return to traffic at 1500 tomorrow (Friday) from Ardrossan, pending sea trials in the morning.
But at the moment this is a classic case of when travelling as foot passenger pays dividends and is the thoughtful response. The Lochranza route has only restricted capacity (and again needs to be kept available for islander and freight needs). An insistence on driving over to Arran is not helpful in the current scenario. Then either use public transport or on island car hire.
This situation is expected to last until the end of May, due to vessel shortages across the network following breakdowns and scheduled delayed dry dockings.
The good news is that the brand new MV Isle of Islay is expected to enter service to Islay on Monday 30 March.
The Glen Sannox has now twice cancelled berthing trials in the Outer Hebrides and Uig (Skye) to provide capacity up there, due to pressure across the network.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
11590 posts
Oh, that makes me think of Arran and wishing I was there. Although I'm glad it's not today since the ferry is broken down. Thanks for the update, JJ.