Calmac's new ferry Glen Sannox completes first passenger sailings
More than 150 commuters took the trip
Last updated 13th Jan 2025
MV Glen Sannox has ‘formally’ taken its first passengers to and from the Island of Arran.
The much-maligned ferry, beset with years of delays and millions of pounds over budget, set off just before seven o’clock on Monday morning from Troon.
Carrying more than 150-foot passengers and motorists, the sailing got off to a bumpy start, the high winds coming off the Ayrshire coast an ironic nod to the rocky road it’s taken to get to this moment.
But it’s hoped the introduction of the new Caledonian MacBrayne vessel will herald a new dawn of hope for islanders, who’ve suffered years of struggle and disappointment as ferries were frequently cancelled or taken out of service for repairs.
Calmac surprised everyone on Sunday by putting Glen Sannox into action a day early.
But that didn’t dampen the mood of passengers Nicky and Kenny, who flew up from London to be one of the first to experience the new ship.
They toasted it with a glass of champagne on the deck.
Nicky said: “We have a house on Arran so we spent a lot of time on the island, and spend a lot of time coming and going on the ferry.
“And we’ve just been really excited to be on the new ferry and be on it today.”
Husband Kenny added: “It’s a relief it’s finally been delivered, it’s been a long time coming with people being frustrated.
“But it’s here and good things are worth waiting for.”
Ferry enthusiast Tyler Morgan admitted the Glen Sannox crossing was a moment he will cherish for a long time.
“I’ve never ever done a maiden voyage before,” he said.
“It’s been on my bucket list since I was a very little kid on Shetland.
“I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here. I couldn’t get any sleep last night just thinking about getting on the boat today, it’s an absolute honour to be here.”
Local business and trade have been negatively impacted over the last few years, with tourism being their main form of income.
A lack of holidaymakers and daytrippers, owing to the fact people have been unsure if they would get off the island once they had arrived, has seen the local economy suffer.
And there was an air of trepidation among retailers amid Monday’s new arrival.
Katy from Arran Butchers said: “Obviously it’s good that we’ve got another boat, but, it’s keeps on breaking down, is it reliable, probably not.
“I don’t think having a bigger boat like that is going to make any difference.”
And Matt from local bakers Wooleys of Arran echoed those thoughts.
He said: “We’re all a bit pessimistic, due to what has been going on for the last seven years.
“It’s hard to look to far into the future.”
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