Scotland’s west coast ferry operator CalMac says it is to conduct trials with the Ben-my-Chree on its Arran route with a view to possibly chartering the vessel.
The ship is due to arrive to Scotland later this week for berthing trials at the mainland port of Troon and Brodick on Arran.
CalMac said it was working on back-up plans as it faces a difficult winter with some vessels out of service and others undergoing scheduled maintenance.
CalMac interim chief executive Duncan Mackison told BBC Scotland: “We are being proactive in identifying options to add resilience and capacity to the network during what will continue to be a challenging winter.
“This vessel is larger than those currently serving Arran and would add capacity to that service whilst freeing up a vessel to move elsewhere.
“This is just a trial, and a full charter will be subject to agreement from multiple parties. Should this be reached, we will review and publish a plan on wider vessel deployment.”\
Earlier today the Steam Packet’s former flagship was undergoing her berthing trials in Liverpool for the new ferry terminal at Princes Half-Tide Dock.
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