Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Named after an Arran beauty spot, Glen Sannox will make three return sailings from Troon to the island's main town of Brodick each day.

An identical vessel, Glen Rosa - still under construction at the Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow - is due to join it on the route at the end of the year, although it was reported at the weekend that a new six-month delay will be announced shortly., external

On Sunday Glen Sannox carried passengers and vehicles on her maiden voyage after completing a test run.

Mr Mackison said: "A massive effort has gone into getting MV Glen Sannox to this stage, and everyone at CalMac is excited to have her in the fleet and serving Arran."

For residents on the island the arrival of the new ship should bring relief after years of transport uncertainty.

Mike Dobson, chairman of Arran Cancer Support, said it had been particularly difficult for those needing hospital treatment on the mainland.

"An ageing ferry fleet with lots of technical or weather-related problems has made it more difficult for people to feel that they are going to get there," he told BBC News.

"It's meant more cancellations of appointments and that bears a certain weight on people and affects their mental health."

Sheila Gilmore, from Visit Arran, said businesses had also been badly affected, but she was optimistic visitor numbers will now start to recover.

"We are very hopeful, it's been a long struggle to get here but we have to look forward and put what is in the past behind us," she said.