THE construction of new Cumbrae ferry is to start within a year in a move welcomed by local MSP Kenneth Gibson.

The Scottish Government, through Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd is planning to replace the MV Loch Riddon, which sails between Cumbrae and Largs in summer.

The major vessel construction programme is to begin within the next 12 months.

The MV Loch Riddon is the smaller of the two ferries which operate on the local route.

Kenneth Gibson has confirmed to the News that the new vessel will be bigger than the Loch Riddon, pictured, and nearer to the capacity of the Loch Shira.

The “loch class” vessels serving the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network will be replaced due to their operational life expiry.

The programme aims to renew the small vessel fleet over the next decade.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited is leading the programme, supported by Transport Scotland and CalMac in a working group.

The strategic business case for Phase 1 of the programme, which includes a new Cumbrae vessel, was approved in late 2020 by the Transport Scotland Investment decision board, backed by Scottish Ministers.

The procurement process for the replacement vessels will begin subject to approval of a more detailed business case providing options, with their commercial and financial value.

There will be a clear focus on building low emission vessels, in line with the Scottish Government’s climate change commitments.

Mr Gibson said: “Having consistently made the case for new ferries over the years, I am pleased to see this programme to revitalise the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network progress. I am particularly heartened that a new ferry for Cumbrae will be part of the first phase.

“I look forward to the programme being finalised and the commencement of construction.”

The new ferry will support the larger MV Loch Shira which operates on the route.