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However, the Glen Sannox is scheduled to make its maiden voyage early on Monday morning as it adds to the vital island route between Arran and Scotland’s mainland.

But the 6:30am sailing from Troon to Brodick is now in doubt because of forecasted “high winds”.

CalMac has since announced that all sailings on the MV Alfred, which also serves the mainland and Arran route, will be cancelled on Monday because of adverse weather.

On Sunday, the Glen Sannox completed a trial sailing for paying customers ahead of the official launch.

Passengers at Troon believed they would be boarding the MV Alfred but were met with the new ferry instead.

A total of 38 passengers and 15 cars travelled on the 12:45pm service, while the return journey from Brodick carried 154 foot passengers, 53 cars and two commercial vehicles.

Writing on social media, CalMac warned its new service – the Glen Sannox – could be liable for disruption.

Issuing a yellow warning, the statement said: “Due to forecast high winds, the following sailings operated by MV Glen Sannox are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice: Depart Troon – 6:30, depart Brodick – 8:40.”

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The warning comes as CalMac previously confirmed it was still dealing with a small number of issues on the Glen Sannox. 

That includes oil contamination in a hydraulic system, which has forced the closure of a mezzanine deck.

However it is understood the deck closure will not affect capacity because of low demand over the winter period.

Meanwhile, its sister service – Glen Rosa – is due to be handed over in September, with costs of the two vessels expected to be more than triple the original price tag of £97 million.

However a report in the Scottish Sun on Saturday suggests this handover will face a further delay to spring 2026.

Discussing the reported delays to Glen Rosa, Ferguson Marine’s interim chief executive John Petticrew said: “No-one wants to see the swift and safe delivery of Glen Rosa more than Ferguson Marine and work is progressing on the vessel at pace as we speak.

“Now that Glen Sannox has been handed over, it’s crucial that we take time to review our plan for the delivery of Glen Rosa.

“As such, we are currently undertaking a lessons-learned exercise alongside our Scottish Government sponsor team, Lloyds, MCA, CMAL and CalMac.

“Only once this exercise is complete will we be able to provide a final estimated completion date for Glen Rosa.”





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