CALMAC has announced that one of its routes will be cancelled for the rest of the year.

In July, the ferry operator said its Ardrossan to Campbeltown sailing was due to return on August 24.

And in June, CalMac estimates said that the MV Hebridean Isles – the boat which sails the route – should be back in service around July 27.

But deadline after deadline has been missed and the operator has now said that the service will be cancelled for the remainder of the year.

The Ardrossan to Campbeltown route only runs in the summer timetable, and the MV Hebridean Isles will not be back in service in time for the end of the season.

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In a statement, CalMac said: “As a result of vessel deployments, and the ongoing issues with MV Hebridean Isles, this service will unfortunately be cancelled for the remainder of the summer period – we do apologise to our customers and the community for this outcome.

“MV Hebridean Isles is currently berthed in Ayr following the most recent trials and inspections to fix her manoeuvrability issue.

“Further repairs to the vessel are being investigated to find a permanent fix, and the vessel will remain at Ayr until a location for further maintenance has been confirmed.

“Please be assured we will contact all customers with an affected booking as soon as possible.”

CalMac’s winter timetable kicks in from October 23.

The firm said bookings on the Ardrossan to Campbeltown may have already been made up to September 25 and any customers with such a reservation would be contacted.

MV Alfred will continue to operate between Ardrossan and Brodick, on Arran, alongside MV Caledonian Isles.

The MV Isle of Arran will continue to operate alongside MV Finlaggan on a two-vessel service on Islay.