On the Firth of Clyde, ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) announced there will be no sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick, Isle of Arran today, 23 January.

Following Storm Isha, this time CalMac say the cancellations aren't down to the weather, reports the Ardrossan Herald.

Since Sunday lunchtime, there have been no sailings on the 55 minute route because of the Storm Isha and afterwards strong winds which forced the ferry operator to announce there would be no Ardrossan-Brodick sailings at all on Monday, see related 'Irish' berth story. 

On announcing the latest cancellations, CalMac have revealed that personnel took the opportunity to carry out some essential maintenance on the 40 year-old ferry, MV Isle of Arran, Afloat tracked to Brodick, where it was tied up due to the weather.

It was during the maintenance that a "technical fault" was discovered on the veteran vessel which was built in 1984 on the Clyde, at Ferguson Ailsa, Port Glasgow. Also on the Clyde, Afloat adds is the route’s main ferry, MV Caledonian Isles dating to 1993, which is undergoing routine annual overhaul in dry-dock at Dales Marine Services, Greenock.

As for the MV Isle of Arann, a problem was discovered with the main starboard engine which is now undergoing repair.

With all sailings on the route cancelled, there will be an update provided during this afternoon on whether services can resume.

A Calmac spokesperson said: "While carrying out essential maintenance during the recent weather cancellations, the vessel has reported a technical issue with the starboard main engine that now requires repairs to be carried out.

"As a result of the technical issue, combined with strong winds forecast on Tuesday afternoon, all sailings on this route are now cancelled."

"Plans are under way to source the required spare parts to carry out a full repair, and an update will be provided at 2pm regarding sailings on Wednesday, January 24."

This is the latest issue to hit the ferry service in recent weeks, for more on the story, click here.

Scottish government owned ferry operator CalMac have confirmed the new timetable for the catamaran MV Alfred which is to serve on the Forth of Clyde route between Ardrossan and the Isle of Arran.

According to the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, announcement follows a a successful familiarisation period of recent weeks for the ferry which Afloat adds usually operates on the Pentland Firth between the mainland and Orkney Islands.

As previously reported Scottish ministers have chartered the 430 passenger /98 car carrying catamaran for nine months at a cost of £9 million.

The charter from Pentland Ferriesis in a bid to ease the growing ferry crisis on west coast and isles services where technical problems have beset ferries.

Below is a timetable for the catamaran operate until Thursday, 29 June:

Friday – Monday

Depart Ardrossan - 08:00, 11:30 and 16:15
Depart Brodick - 09:45, 13:15 and 18:00

Tuesday – Thursday

Depart Ardrossan - 08:00 and 16:15
Depart Brodick - 09:45 and 18:00

During this time period, CalMac has advised that all passengers will require to access the vessel via the catamaran's stern ramp.

More here on the catamaran's entry into service and for further service information, click the CalMac's website.