Ferry services between Ardrossan and Brodick have been cancelled for the rest of the day due to an engine problem on the MV Isle of Arran.

As reported earlier, morning sailings were scrapped after fault with a gear box cooler in one of the main engines was discovered.

That means the cooler had to be removed from the MV Isle of Arran and send to the mainland for tests and repairs.

As a result, all services between Ardrossan and Arran today are cancelled. CalMac will reveal later today if the morning sailing from Ardrossan to the island will go ahead.

The ferry company provided a shuttle bus from Ardrossan to Troon and back to allow some passengers to reach Arran aboard the MV Alfred - and others to return to Ardrossan harbour.

CalMac said on their website: "Investigations have been carried out on the vessel and unfortunately a fault with a gear box cooler associated to one of their main engines has been identified.

"The cooler will be removed from the vessel and sent ashore to a local specialist contractor for testing and repair.

"The cooler is critical to the operation of the main engine and therefore the vessel is unable to sail until it is returned."

In a later post, they added: "The cooler is now with the specialist contractor undergoing the required testing and potential repair. As the cooler is critical to the operation of the main engine, the vessel is unable to sail until it is returned, fit and tested satisfactorily onboard."

The company provided shuttle buses between Ardrossan and Troon for passengers who planned to depart from the North Ayrshire harbour or had to collect cars from the mainland town.

CalMac added: "Remaining sailings on this route are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice and an update will be provided at approx 2.20pm regarding the 3.20pm departure from Ardrossan which remains at high risk of disruption.

"Please note that spaces on our Troon – Brodick service are very limited.

"Alternative travel is available via our turn up and go Claonaig – Lochranza service.

"Disrupting a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Check for updates at the CalMac website here.