Arran Cut Off: Main Ferry Could Be Out of Action Until Spring

The main Arran ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, has been out of action since February, with CalMac warning it may not return until late March 2025. Initially scheduled for a September return, further faults, including gearbox and structural issues, were discovered in dry dock, adding delays to repairs. This has thrown the Arran route and CalMac’s wider network into logistical disarray as the ferry operator grapples with ageing vessels and limited replacements. Islanders are now relying on older ships like the "Auld Trooper" MV Isle of Arran and chartered vessels, though these provide limited relief.

CalMac’s situation underscores a larger crisis in Scotland’s ferry network. For years, the fleet has aged without sufficient replacements, as the much-delayed Glen Sannox, originally scheduled years ago, still hasn’t entered full service. CalMac recently attempted to charter a vessel from the Isle of Man, but trials failed due to incompatible docking at Arran. As islanders, particularly Arran residents, continue to endure disruption and travel uncertainty, pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government and CalMac to find a long-term solution.

The MV Caledonian Isles has served Arran for 31 years, but its current downtime is a stark reminder of CalMac's ageing fleet issues. Since February, it has remained in dry dock, with each new inspection unveiling further issues. Initial repairs were on track until a gearbox fault was identified, pushing the return date to November. Then, the stern tube bearings and eight steel frames also required repair, with CalMac now unable to confirm a return date before March 2025.

Given that ferries are the literal lifeline to Scotland’s islands, extended downtime like this doesn’t just mean missed appointments or delayed supplies; it can impact the entire local economy, disrupt school schedules, and place strain on other already ageing vessels that are filling in.

The Caledonian Isles isn’t the only major vessel out of commission. The MV Hebridean Isles is also expected to retire from service for repairs this winter, creating a shortage within CalMac’s fleet. With two out of ten major vessels unavailable, the network faces a challenging winter with minimal backup, risking service interruptions across more routes. CalMac has had to get creative, bringing in temporary vessels like the Alfred, a catamaran, and considering options like the MV Ben-My-Chree from the Isle of Man, though a recent trial run with the latter was unsuccessful.

The reliability issues point to CalMac's broader struggle with its ageing fleet. The last new ship received was in 2015, and nearly all the current vessels are beyond their intended service lifespan. Repeated delays with the Glen Sannox, a new vessel currently undergoing final adjustments, highlight the challenges of securing replacements. Although Glen Sannox was supposed to be operational much earlier, recent acceptance trials revealed further adjustments, and it is not expected to carry passengers until early 2025.

CalMac’s interim CEO Duncan Mackison has acknowledged the pressing challenges and is consulting with island communities on a revised winter deployment plan. Efforts to add resilience to the fleet include trialling third-party vessels and accelerating maintenance on other ships. Still, the situation remains precarious, as CalMac juggles schedules and tries to keep essential services running with a dwindling number of reliable ships.

The ongoing ferry crisis is frustrating Scottish islanders and adding fuel to political debates over government and transport policy. Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene has been vocal, calling the situation “another devastating blow” for islanders reliant on CalMac. Greene criticised the Scottish National Party (SNP), arguing that delayed projects and dependency on ageing vessels reveal government “incompetence.”

Such criticism isn’t unique to Arran. Many island communities across Scotland’s west coast rely on these services, and any disruptions are deeply felt. This ongoing issue has prompted questions about the adequacy of Scotland's approach to managing and funding its maritime infrastructure. Some are calling for better planning and accelerated funding, while others argue that private sector partnerships could improve service reliability and alleviate the burden on CalMac.

CalMac’s immediate priority is to finalise its winter plan, set to be published in mid-November. This plan will detail which vessels will operate on specific routes, with an eye to minimising disruptions. In the meantime, islanders are bracing for a winter of uncertainty, with the "Auld Trooper" MV Isle of Arran filling in on the Ardrossan-Brodick route and limited backup options available.

The longer-term solution is less clear. Without new vessels or significant refurbishment of existing ones, CalMac faces a future of frequent breakdowns, strained schedules, and stretched resources. The delays with Glen Sannox exemplify the challenges: even with replacements theoretically on the way, they’re not entering service fast enough to meet demand.

This year’s setbacks have cast a spotlight on the Scottish Government’s role in ferry services and infrastructure investment. Many are watching closely to see if CalMac’s winter deployment plan brings relief to affected communities or if the struggles of 2024 will spark more calls for reform and additional funding.