THE Scottish Government will be investing more than half a billion pounds into ferry services over the next five years, an SNP MSP has announced.

Kenneth Gibson, whose Cunninghame North constituency includes the Isle of Arran, made the announcement after meeting with other island MSPs and the newly appointed Transport Minister earlier today.

The new minister, Graeme Dey, said he had agreed to the early meeting with the three other MSPs as they had been “inundated by irate constituents” concerned about the state of ferry services.

Alasdair Allan, the MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, and Jenni Minto, who represents Argyll and Bute, were also present at the “constructive” meeting with Dey.

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Following the meeting, Gibson said: “The Minister recognises communities’ frustration at the current disruption and the impact it is having. He pledged to do everything possible to support CalMac to maximise available capacity across the network and ensure the timely resolution of these ongoing issues.

“Arran Ferry Action Group has written to the Scottish Government urging investment of £500 million on ferries over the next five to 10 years. Scottish Ministers will go beyond that.

“Working with CMAL, CalMac, the three island MSPs, community representatives, the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee and others, Mr Dey will deliver major vessel and small vessel replacement to support Arran, Cumbrae and our other island communities.

“At least £580 million will be invested over the next five years, on top of resources already committed to the completion of the Glen Sannox and its sister ship at Port Glasgow.”

The Transport Minister added: “My MSP colleagues have understandably been inundated by irate constituents and sought this early meeting. I believe they took confidence from my understanding of the difficulties being endured and take such matters very seriously.

“In relation to short-term issues, we are actively exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage, including consideration of the suitability of the MV Pentalina and looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve resilience.”

The news comes after the return of CalMac's largest ferry, on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, has been delayed again.

The MV Loch Seaforth was hit with engine failure last month and a 50-hour sea trial is needed before returning to service.

While the solutions were due to be in place by this bank holiday weekend, the delay means that wider disruption to CalMac's network is likely to continue over the upcoming weekend.