It has been announced today that the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick is to remain as a one ship service for at least a further month, until the end of July, due to the serious mechanical issues with the MV Hebridean Isles, leading to shuffling of the fleet.
The ship is being supplemented where possible with unbookable relief sailings on the MV Alfred, on a timetable which seems to be being changed daily.
Due to high passenger loads and berthing issues at Ardrossan the ship, the Caledonian Isles, is unable to keep to timetable, so foot passengers in the afternoon may end up missing bus connections at Brodick.
So be prepared and book as far ahead as you can.
At the moment, touching wood, the suspended South Uist service will restart in just under 2 weeks time.
Posted by
10 posts
I'm not traveling until September, but I just want to say I so appreciate your posts on the ferries - it's put me in better mind to keep an eye on the schedules and notices and given me lots of insight!
Posted by
OP
Lake District, England
5758 posts
The relief sailings on MV Alfred are now bookable. Her sailings are now at fixed times, not a moving feast.
The service from Oban to Lochboisdale (South Uist) restarts on Friday 30 June, 1 day AHEAD of schedule.
Good news for once from Calmac.
Posted by
OP
Lake District, England
5758 posts
A further update.
The MV Hebridean Isles has had extensive repairs but has again failed sea trials so remains out of service until at least 24 August.
Thus the one ship service to Arran plus extra sailings on the MV Alfred (when available) remains in place until then.
There are ongoing weather disruptions as well currently as Ardrossan has had a link span failure (which Peel Ports, the port owners, are rectifying) and the Irish berth (the alternative berth at Ardrossan) is very prone to the wind.
So just keep a close eye out on CalMac updates if using this route.
Posted by
OP
Lake District, England
5758 posts
Further update-
.
The MV Hebridean Isles is now confirmed as being off service for the rest of the season at the end of October, due to being unable to fix her problems. She was relocated from the port of Troon to Ayr to make way for a cruise ship and remains there for the foreseeable future.
Thus the one ship service to Arran plus extra sailings on the MV Alfred remains in place until then. Also the sailings from Ardrossan to Campbeltown will not happen this year.
Posted by
OP
Lake District, England
5758 posts
Cal Mac are now hopeful that the Hebridean Isles has been fixed. She is undergoing in service trials this week to establish whether that is in fact the case.
Hopefully that will enable her to provide cover during the winter overhaul progamme. This has been a very long process.