A CALMAC ferry route has been cancelled for a further four weeks.
The Ardrossan to Campbeltown route will now not be operational until August 24 at the earliest, the firm has said.
Estimates given by CalMac in mid June said that the MV Hebridean Isles should be back in service around July 27.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the ferry firm said that the problems affecting the 38-year-old vessel were “still apparent”.
CalMac said: “Following extensive sea and berthing trials completed by MV Hebridean Isles, the issues which are affecting the vessel’s manoeuvrability are still apparent. For this reason, we are not currently in a position where the Hebridean Isles can return to service.
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“As a result of vessel deployments, this service [Ardrossan to Campbeltown] is cancelled up to and including August 24.”
CalMac said that people with bookings would be contacted directly.
The statement said: “We are in the process of updating the booking system and customers with affected bookings will be contacted directly by us.
“We are aware that our lines and channels are very busy now, and we are conscious of wait times – so please be assured you will hear from us instead.”
MV Alfred will continue to operate between Ardrossan and Brodick, on Arran, alongside MV Caledonian Isles.
The MV Isle of Arran (below) will continue to operate alongside MV Finlaggan on a two-vessel service on Islay.
Robert Morrison, operations director for CalMac, said: “Unfortunately, despite extensive sea and berthing trials, the issues which are affecting the vessel’s manoeuvrability are still apparent. For this reason, we are not currently in a position where the Hebridean Isles can return to service. This is very disappointing news, and I apologise to our customers and communities.
“We have started a detailed review of options for further investigation and maintenance, and the outcome of this review will be discussed internally as a matter of priority. Further updates will be provided when available.
“Our team is continuing to work hard to do whatever we can to minimise disruption and vessel deployment plans beyond August 25 will remain under review based on the wider network needs.”
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