CALMAC is seeking to recover cost delays on repair work to a key vessel which has led to “devastating” effects on communities in Arran and Ardrossan.

The Caledonian Isles was taken out of service in January 2024 to undergo a six-month £5 million course of works at Birkenhead’s Cammell Laird, but 18 months on, it remains in Birkenhead indefinitely after a hull deformity was found.

In a statement, Scottish government-owned CalMac said: “Action is under way to recover costs.

“As this is commercially sensitive and subject to legal proceedings, we cannot comment further.”

One impact of its delayed return has been the loss of ferry services between the Isle of Arran and Ardrossan.

Despite one of the two new ferries built in Post Glasgow’s Ferguson Marine, the Glen Sannox, coming into service seven years late, the failure of Peel Ports to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour has left the new vessel having to be redirected 20 miles to Troon.

The effective loss of the Caledonian Isles, which can dock at Ardrossan, and stalled talks between the Scottish government and Peel Ports has damaged lifeline services to Arran, but spelled disaster for Ardrossan, according to Labour West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark.

She said: “It is perfectly reasonable for CalMac to seek to recover costs from Cammell Laird, but that doesn’t take away from the bigger picture.

“The havoc which has been caused to communities and the local economy is a result of ferry breakdowns on an aging fleet, and the Scottish government’s failure to procure replacement vessels over many years.

“This latest failure means that there continues to be no ferries operating from Ardrossan to Arran. This is devastating for Ardrossan and Arran.”