CalMac launch new Campbeltown-Ayrshire car ferry

THE first car ferry to link Campbeltown with Ayrshire for nearly 75 years will be launched by Caledonian MacBrayne on Thursday.

Caledonian MacBrayne will launch the new service on Thursday. Picture: Contributed

The MV Isle of Arran will sail from Ardrossan at 6:40pm, arriving at the Kintyre town nearly three hours later.

The start of the three-year pilot has been timed to coincide with the three-day Kintyre Songwriter’s Festival in Campbeltown from Friday, and the Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and 10k on Sunday.

Ferries will operate three times a week during the summer, calling at Brodick on Arran on Saturdays.

The route will also be CalMac’s first new one for nearly years. Predecessor firm the Caledonian Steam Packet Company operated it using the Glen Sannox steamer until 1939.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said the service underlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving ferries.

He said: “The first sailing of this service is an exciting moment which, as well as expanding travel options, I hope will bring opportunities for economic development in these communities in one of the most beautiful parts of our country.”

North Ayrshire Council leader Willie Gibson said: “This new ferry service will bring a fantastic boost to the North Ayrshire economy, offering travellers a much more relaxing alternative to the lengthy four hour drive to Campbeltown.”