MV Glen Sannox completed her first timetabled passenger sailing on her first full day of service today (Monday, January 13) following a successful trial run yesterday.
And our chief reporter, Neil Smith, was on board with photographer Charlie Gilmour to mark the occasion.
Charlie Gilmour and Neil Smith on board MV Glen Sannox (Image: Charlie Gilmour) The CalMac vessel departed from Troon shortly before 7am, with 104 foot passengers, 23 cars, nine commercial vehicles and 38 crew on board. She berthed in Brodick at approximately 8.15am.
(Image: Charlie Gilmour) CalMac chief executive, Duncan Mackison, who attended the sailing, said: “As the first major new vessel built to serve Arran in over three decades, MV Glen Sannox will see the island benefit from increased capacity and a more robust service.
“We hope many, many people will enjoy travelling on her to experience everything our islands have to offer.
“Since her handover in mid-November, crew and colleagues across CalMac have pulled out all the stops to get her into service on a tight schedule.
(Image: Charlie Gilmour) (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Pets also joined the passengers (Image: Charlie Gilmour) “This is a massive milestone for us and for the people of Arran. MV Glen Sannox’s entry into service marks the start of an exciting period which will see six major new vessels enter our service, effectively modernising half of our major vessel fleet.”
Launched in November 2017 and originally due for delivery in 2018, the ferry, and its sister ship Glen Rosa, have endured a saga of costly delays and technical problems during construction at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.
The state-of-the-art 102-metre-long Glen Sannox can carry up to 852 passengers, 127 cars, and 16 heavy goods vehicles, bringing a significant increase in capacity to Arran, the busiest route on the CalMac network.
(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Cheers! (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “The initial entry into service of the MV Glen Sannox from Troon is very welcome news. This will support the people and economy of Arran, as well as enhancing resilience on the wider ferry network due to cascade of other vessels.
“As with any new vessel, the first few months of service will allow crew and passengers to fully experience the facilities and performance while CalMac continue to monitor systems, making changes and fixing any issues where required.
“The longer term plans for deployment of MV Glen Rosa and 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.”
MV Glen Sannox (Image: CalMac) Both the new ships are having to use Troon as their mainland port, rather than the normal Arran terminal at Ardrossan, because of essential upgrades required at the North Ayrshire port.
Agreement has yet to be reached between Ardrossan’s private owner, Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and Transport Scotland over financing of the upgrade work needed to accommodate the larger vessels.
Kevin Hobbs, CMAL chief executive, said: “Seeing the Glen Sannox carry passengers for the first time is a proud day, and one that has been a long time coming. Her entry to service is a welcome moment for everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing her carry passengers for many years to come.
“She represents the latest milestone in our ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Scotland’s ferry fleet and will play a key role in connecting our islands and supporting communities and businesses across the region.”