Scotland's west coast ferry operator, CalMac is making moves to pull out of a key port in North Ayrshire, Ardrossan (serving Arran) in the wake of recent safety issues and adverse weather.

CalMac owned by the Scottish Government, has moved to begin trial berthing the MV Isle of Arran, which is the only ferry carrying passengers linking Brodick, Isle of Arran and Troon in South Ayrshire.

If successful, CalMac cite the ferry will begin operating the service on a "temporary" basis from Troon but there is concern that it is the first step to a permanent move for the services. The port of Troon operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), is where already the £1 million-a-month Scottish Government-chartered emergency ferry MV Alfred, a catamaran craft is based there on services.

There is no exact timetable outlined for how long the ferry might be based in Troon instead of Ardrossan which Afloat adds is operated by rival port operator, Peel Ports Group.

CalMac added that due to adverse weather forecast in the coming days and with strong easterly winds, this may led to the 1984 built not been able to berth at Ardrossan. The operator said it was "committed to maintaining the service throughout adverse weather".

Users on the Firth of Clyde crossing say any long period based in Troon would mean travelling times would increase from 55 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. In addition they have raised concerns over a potential reduction in sailings.

HeraldScotland has more on the developing ferryport scene.