After waiting so many years to see the MV Glen Sannox come into Brodick pier, Arran resident Shona Redmayne couldn’t contain her anticipation as she got up early to see off her sister who was travelling across to Troon.
I spoke to the 64-year-old after coming across on the maiden voyage of the vessel, and while there were plenty of journalists on board sarcastically saying “it’s a new ferry, it works”, I couldn’t help but also feel a wee bit of excitement.
Redmayne said it was “unbelievable” to see her come into port, adding she felt like she was dreaming having waited years for the moment to happen and I think that’s what made this day feel so significant. Many had come to believe it may never arrive amid huge delays, soaring costs and streams of bad headlines to go with it all.
I stepped onto the vessel having already spoken to people on Arran who I know are so desperate to see the back of all the negative press the ferry fiasco has received, with the Glen Sannox arriving around six years late having run into a saga of problems alongside its sister vessel, the Glen Rosa.
READ MORE: Passengers enjoy Glen Sannox as ferry enters service with Arran route
With that in mind, it felt special when the ship pulled away from Troon, and I hope it’s the start of a better future for islanders. A lively group of early birds appeared to be toasting to that anyway, already with cans of Tennent’s in hand before 7am.
(Image: NQ) She had some zip about her as she sped towards Brodick, and it wasn’t too long before she received a good test of her core strength as we hit extremely choppy waters. Redmayne told me at Brodick this is what she is hoping the Glen Sannox will bring; more steel amid stormy conditions. I feel confident she will deliver.
I was quite glad to have had a bit of a nosey around the ship before it became pretty impossible to walk in a straight line. Having sailed to Arran a few times before on both the Isle of Arran and the Caledonian Isles, it was great to be on a shiny, much more modern looking ship. The other two vessels, while they will always hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Arran, they are showing their age.
(Image: NQ) The Glen Sannox, however, was pristine with comfy seating and a superb big window at the front so that when it isn’t dark and dreary as it was for us, passengers can enjoy superb views across to Scotland in Miniature. If you prefer to be outside, there is ample seating up on deck too.
What was notable about the new vessel was the number of working lifts on board, of which there are four. I could not recall having been on a CalMac ship with so many lifts before and it was confirmed to me this is a new feature by passenger Lesley Duncan (below, right), who explained those vessels with lifts only usually had one and it was for disabled people. In choppy conditions, it was pretty handy having it available rather than trying to fight with heavy doors to get in and out.
(Image: NQ) Duncan and her friend Elaine Smith (above, left) were handed the honour of being the first passengers on board the ship and, while Elaine struggled with the journey amid feeling seasick, Duncan said she thought the ship was smart and was pleased to see the lifts.
“I think it’s absolutely stunning, I think they’ve done a great job,” she said.
“It’s great having the lifts as it makes it much more accessible for people. There’s only been one lift on most of the other ferries for disabled people only and they have often not been working. My dad was in a wheelchair for years and we always had to check in advance [if they were working].”
READ MORE: CalMac boss tells of ‘huge relief’ as MV Glen Sannox sets sail
Passengers will also be mighty excited I imagine about the sizable canteen on board, given they will have sailed on the MV Alfred – which has minimal hospitality facilities – or the Isle of Arran recently, which does have a canteen but is a considerably smaller ship. A full Scottish breakfast can be yours along with a selection of morning rolls. I was also reliably informed the famous CalMac and cheese will be served at lunch and dinnertimes. How could it not?!
If you’re looking for something to take away from the journey, the gift shop is full of great souvenirs like cuddly CalMac lions and treats including lovely toiletries from Arran Aromatics, along with spirits from the island like gin and whisky.
(Image: NQ) This was a spacious, comfy vessel that was easy to navigate and it was clear she could cope well in the strong winds – though I would recommend travel sickness tablets if you are not equipped with sea legs. Facing up to breakfast was a slight chore!
I was lucky to have the chance to have a small peek at the bridge on the way back as well which, having seen the bridge on the Loch Seaforth before, looked much flashier. The captain seemed at ease with the ship having survived some amount of swell as we closed in on the mainland.
By chance, I did manage to spot a golden plaque just above a set of stairs between decks which awkwardly said “MV Glen Sannox, launched in 2017 by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland”.
Many from further afield than Scotland will wonder what that is all about and what on earth took so long.
For those on Arran, I think they are as keen as anything to leave the past in the past and sail onward. Here’s hoping the Glen Sannox can hold her own and give the beautiful island of Arran the steely and shiny service it deserves.