Furious ferry passengers were left stranded for hours after the Cal Mac ferry between Largs and Cumbrae suffered technical problems last Wednesday.

Hundreds of islanders were forced to wait until late to get home, and in some cases until 9pm, after the MV Loch Shira broke down in the early afternoon apparently due to a gear-box problem.

Via social media websites, CalMac stated that a replacement ferry would not be arriving before 6pm but with the passenger numbers growing as the day went on, and only limited capacity, tempers became frayed.

And on the Largs News Facebook page, passenger Christine Taberner said: “I believe the ferry contract for all CalMac services on the Clyde comes up for renewal this year. Unfortunately it will be bundled to incorporate all current CalMac services, so the chances of another operator are low. We need a better service than this bunch can provide. How can you leave 150 kids stranded for a minimum of four hours and then restrict the capacity of the vessel - so it takes much longer to reduce the queues. Maybe we should all get a letter to the local councillors, MP and CalMac demanding some response.” Sam Broadley said; “A five hour wait for the ferry! Passengers on this service elderly, school children and other passengers were left to stand at the slip in cold weather, people of Millport think it is time this service was looked into, if this service cannot be run without the amount of disruptions that occur, is it not about time the franchise was opened up to other ferry companies, we think this is long overdue.” Gerry Rattigan had a solution, and said: “Western ferries operate when the calmac ferries do not due to all manner of excuses. Western run a fast, efficient and reliable service.. They are given no subsidies whatsoever, while CalMac get a ridiculous amount. They won’t be bothered by complaints.” When the MV Loch Bhrusda replacement ferry did arrive at 7pm, there was only capacity for 25 schoolchildren, and five cars per sailing. However, one irate Millport resident asked the ‘News’: “I was on the last sailing at around 9pm and they packed everyone on - it went from limited capacity to standing room only and it was absolutely jam packed, but why did theyw ait until the very last boat in order to do this?” Largs Academy tweeted: “Thanks to all Cumbrae pupils who were very patient and well behaved whilst waiting for their ferry on Wednesday night”.

There was further disruption on Thursday morning due to weather conditions, and the Loch Shira returned to service on Friday morning with a message on the Cal Mac website stating: “The ferry service is operating as normal and as per the timetable. Calmac Ferries apologise for any previous inconvenience caused.” A CalMac spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that the Loch Shira suffered a breakdown on Wednesday 19 March due to a leaking cooling water pump. The vessel required a repalcemebt part which was fitted as quickly as possible. and the vessel returned to service on Friday 21 March. CalMac apologise for any inconvencience caused to passengers as a result of the breakdown." The ferry had four out of service technical issues during the past 12 months.