NEARLY seven years late and more than four times overbudget, the Glen Sannox has finally taken its first passengers to the Isle of Arran.

The ferry is the first of two built by Ferguson Marine to enter service after a fraught build which saw numerous design changes, costs rocketing from £97 million to £400m and the shipyard sinking into insolvency before being nationalised.

The Glen Sannox was originally intended to serve CalMac’s busiest route, between Ardrossan and Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

But after years of delays, the pier at Ardrossan has yet to be upgraded to accommodate the vessel, forcing it to run to Troon instead.

Welcoming the first crossing, CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison told BBC Radio Scotland that “there have been lots of lessons learned,” adding: “It means a more resilient vessel, a vessel which is able to sail in more challenging conditions.”

Amanda Kerr, Labour councillor for Ardrossan, told the Morning Star: “Seven years is a long time to wait for a ferry, but the people of Ardrossan will continue to wait, because this ferry can’t dock here, on the route it was designed for.

“Instead, it can only sail to Troon, a much longer journey and, as we’ve seen on its very first sailing, a more exposed one that will cause delays.

“I’m glad lessons are being learnt on the build, but now maybe it’s time to learn some lessons on what private ownership does to essential ports like Ardrossan.

“It’s high time the Transport Secretary intervened.”

SNP Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The initial entry into service of the MV Glen Sannox from Troon is very welcome news.

“Additional improvements to port facilities will also benefit communities in Ayrshire as well as Arran and I look forward to updates on progress over the next few months.”