CALMAC has confirmed the ageing MV Hebridean Isles will run between Ardrossan and Arran from Thursday after the route's two main vessels were sent to the repair yard.
But there will be no sailings from Ardrossan Harbour on Wednesday, with passengers directed to Troon instead.
As revealed on Tuesday, the island service was hit with a double whammy this week.
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.
From Wednesday, the Hebridean Isles, normally running to Islay, will relocate to the Ardrossan-Brodick route.
The 39-year-old vessel is due to retire from service in November. In August, the ferry operator said that given her age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were she to enter it.
Labour MSP Katy Clark describing it as "a national emergency".
The latest problems to the Arran route were raised in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, withCalMac said in an update: "MV Isle of Arran, which has been operating on the Ardrossan-Brodick service, must commence overhaul and will be removed from service. The timing is challenging, however, this overhaul cannot be delayed due to the vessel's certification dates.
"MV Alfred, which continues to operate between Troon-Brodick, will operate an additional sailing on Wednesday, September 25. However, please don't present for travel on the Troon - Brodick route without a confirmed booking.
"Understandably, the service will be busy over the next few days, and travel cannot be guaranteed without a confirmed booking in place."
From Thursday, September 26 to Wednesday, October 2, MV Hebridean Isles will operate the published Ardrossan-Brodick summer timetable.
CalMac continued: "On Thursday, September 26 in particular, given the forecasted easterly winds, this service will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
"Weight restrictions will be in operation on MV Hebridean Isles due to an issue with the stern ramp. This means some commercial traffic will be diverted to Troon rather than Ardrossan, and some non-commercial traffic will be diverted to Ardrossan rather than Troon.
"Lifeline traffic has been prioritised on sailings from Troon today."
For more details and updates visit CalMac's website here.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel