Brodick Ferry

In addition to this sailing from Ayrshire to Arran, there is another service operating to Lochranza on the north shore. In the summer the ferry crosses the Kilbrannan Sound from Claonaig, while in the winter it operates as part of the Portavadie Ferry service from Tarbert.

Crossings

The service is operated by the MV Caledonian Isles and MV Isle of Arran, and takes just under an hour to cross. There is a regular service from 7am (9.45 am on Sundays) until 8pm (10.30 on Summer Fridays). Caledonian Isles is capable of carrying 110 cars and up to 1000 passengers, reflecting her role as the main link to a busy tourist destination. MV Isle of Arran was built in 1984 for the Arran crossing and was so successful that she was replaced by Caledonian Isles just 11 years later. She can carry 76 cars and 448 passengers. Since being replaced in 1995 Isle of Arran has served at Stornoway, Uig, Oban and Islay, alongside sister ship MV Hebridean Isles, before returning to the Clyde in 2012.

History

In 1963 the Ardrossan service only operated during the summer months, with the all-year service operating from Fairlie further north on the Ayrshire coast. The ferry could carry 45 cars and took at least an hour, costing from £3 12s to £7 5s, depending on the length of the car and excluding pier dues! As far as I can tell, only one ferry operated the two routes, running 2 services Monday - Saturday from Fairlie and an additional 2 or 3 from Ardrossan in the summer. In 2013 a new service, linking Ardrossan and Campbeltown was introduced.

2013 Ferries Plan

Following the review of the 2012 draft ferries plan for the coming 10 years, the final plan has now been published. The long term proposal for the main Arran crossing is to introduce a second ship (The Isle of Arran, currently the 'spare' vessel) through the summer months, in order to provide a more frequent shuttle service to the mainland. On three days of the week this second ship will continue to Campbeltown, thus providing a direct link between Kintyre and the Ayrshire Coast.

Depending on the outcome of the new Campbeltown service, the longer term plan is to buy a new ferry to provide the Ardrossan - Brodick - Campbeltown route with a two vessel service throughout the year, including later evening and early morning crossings.

Ferries

Name	IMO	Operator	Dates	Notes
Caledonian Isles	9051284	Caledonian MacBrayne	1993-date	110 cars
Saturn	7615490	Caledonian MacBrayne	1986-2006 (Relief) 2007-2011 (Extra summer sailings)	38 cars
Juno	7341063	Caledonian MacBrayne	1986-2006 (Relief)	38 cars
Jupiter	7341051	Caledonian MacBrayne	1986-2006 (Relief)	38 cars
Isle of Arran	8219554	Caledonian MacBrayne	1984-1993 2007-2011 (Extra summer sailings)	62 cars 68 cars
Clansman	6404935	Caledonian MacBrayne	? - 1984 (Summer Service)
Caledonia	6513451	Caledonian MacBrayne	? - 1984 (Winter Service)

Links

• Calmac Website