VisitArran chief executive Sheila Gilmour boarded at Brodick for the return journey to Troon this morning.
She said: “It is really an exciting moment in Scottish maritime history. Certainly for Arran, it is very exciting.
Passenger Stevie reads Moby Dick on the ferry’s first sailing, with pet Lall by his side (Image: Charlie Gilmour) “It is sure to make a big difference to the service. The proof will be in the pudding, it has to be said.
“We are also looking forward to the MV Caledonian Isles coming back to sail between Ardrossan and Brodick. And we are also looking forward to the Glen Sannox finally making a sailing from Ardrossan too. We need this.”
Crew member Lamont McGillivray (Image: Charlie Gilmour) The dining section was doing a roaring trade this morning with bacon rolls, breakfasts and coffees hitting the spot.
CalMac employee Lamont McGillivray was serving customers at the bar.
He spent 10 years sailing to the island aboard the MV Caledonian Isles but jumped at the chance to join the Glen Sannox crew.
He said: “It is great. This new modern boat is going to be really nice to work on.”
(Image: Charllie Gilmour) Gerard and Anne Rowley, above, from Saltcoats were among the first to enjoy breakfast on board. Their verdict?
“Lovely.”