CalMac apology after seven of its ferries out of action

CalMac has apologised to passengers for an "unprecedented situation" that put seven out of its ferries out of action. Three major vessels and a smaller ferry are in overhaul while three large ferries were out of service with technical issues across its West of Scotland network. These include cancelled morning sailings on Arran's troubled Glen Sannox ferry - which is facing £3.2m of further costs after only a year in operation. In a statement issued directly to island communities, CalMac warned that the situation "may be the most pressing we've faced". On Thursday morning the island of Arran had both of its main routes suspended, until Glen Sannox resumed sailings at 15:55. Mull has one vessel, MV Coruisk, operating its main Oban-Craignure route, while Islay has one ferry, MV Finlaggan, sailing to the island. Barra and South Uist have a reduced service, with both islands sharing the MV Isle of Mull. Coll, Tiree and Colonsay also have a reduced service due to a smaller vessel, MV Lord of the Isles, covering the route instead of MV Clansman. CalMac said it had four vessels "critical to providing these services" in overhaul. In addition, three ferries were out of action with technical