MV Glen Sannox whilst in dry dock back in 2002.

After years of delays, cost overruns, and political controversy, the MV Glen Sannox is finally ready to embark on its ...

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After years of delays, cost overruns, and political controversy, the MV Glen Sannox is finally ready to embark on its maiden voyage. The long-awaited ferry is scheduled to depart from Troon harbour in South Ayrshire at 06:30 today [Monday, January 13, 2025], heading towards the Isle of Arran.

The Glen Sannox’s journey from concept to reality has been anything but smooth sailing. Originally commissioned in 2015 along with its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, the vessel was initially slated for delivery in 2018.

However, a perfect storm of issues, including design problems, disputes over additional costs, and the nationalisation of the Ferguson Marine shipyard in 2019, led to significant delays and budget overruns.

The project’s expenses ballooned to more than four times the original £97 million contract price, igniting one of the longest-running political controversies in Scotland’s devolution era. The saga even saw the shipyard entering administration and being rescued by the Scottish Government.

Despite the tumultuous past, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the Glen Sannox’s launch. CalMac’s CEO, Duncan Mackison, expressed pride in his team’s efforts, stating:

“We are thrilled to welcome passengers aboard and anticipate that this vessel will provide significant benefits to the Arran community.”

The Glen Sannox represents a significant upgrade for Scotland’s ferry fleet. With a capacity for 127 cars and 852 passengers, it aims to alleviate the operational challenges faced by the ageing and increasingly unreliable existing fleet.

For the residents of Arran, the new ferry brings hope after years of transportation uncertainty. Mike Dobson, chair of Arran Cancer Support, highlighted the difficulties faced by those requiring medical treatment on the mainland. He commented: “An ageing fleet plagued by technical and weather-related issues has made it challenging for people to feel confident about their travel plans.”

Sheila Gilmore from Visit Arran expressed optimism about the potential boost to local businesses: “We are very hopeful; it has been a long journey to reach this point, but we must look ahead and leave the past behind.”

Looking Ahead

As the Glen Sannox prepares for its inaugural journey, all eyes will be on its performance. The vessel is set to operate three round trips daily from Troon to Brodick, Arran’s main town.

However, potential passengers should note that strong winds may affect the initial voyage.

While the launch of the Glen Sannox marks a significant milestone, the saga isn’t entirely over. Its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, is still under construction and facing potential further delays.

Nonetheless, for now, Scotland can celebrate this long-awaited addition to its ferry fleet, hoping it will usher in a new era of reliable maritime transport for its island communities.

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