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CalMac Faces Ferry Crisis as Seven Vessels Out of Service

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

CalMac has apologized for an "unprecedented situation" affecting ferry services, with seven of ten main vessels out of action.
Four ferries are undergoing overhaul, and three have technical issues, disrupting routes to Arran, Mull, Islay, and other islands.
The Glen Sannox ferry has incurred £3.2 million in additional costs within one year due to repeated technical problems.
The MV Isle of Islay may miss the summer timetable because of ongoing sea trials.
The Scottish government stated that Ardrossan harbor facilities will not be ready for Glen Sannox and another new ferry until at least 2029.

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Story summary

CalMac has apologized for an "unprecedented situation" affecting ferry services, with seven of ten main vessels out of action.
Four ferries are undergoing overhaul, and three have technical issues, disrupting routes to Arran, Mull, Islay, and other islands.
The Glen Sannox ferry has incurred £3.2 million in additional costs within one year due to repeated technical problems.
The MV Isle of Islay may miss the summer timetable because of ongoing sea trials.
The Scottish government stated that Ardrossan harbor facilities will not be ready for Glen Sannox and another new ferry until at least 2029.