The launch of CalMac's new Ar Turas e-ticketing system has been delayed by 24 hours. 

The new booking system was due to launch on May 16, but will now launch the following day. 

The ferry operator says recent disruption to sailings has led to staff taking longer than expected to transfer old bookings onto the new system.

Don McKillop, area operations manager for the Clyde, explained: "Current bookings and ticket purchases for immediate travel on all our routes will still be available. Customers should proceed to their departure port as normal.

"CalMac teams have been working hard throughout the weekend to prepare our new booking and ticketing platform for launch; with good progress made on all fronts.

"We had completed the transfer of 128,000 of our total 146,000 bookings to the new system by this morning and expect this total to make a further jump this afternoon.

"However, our forecast completion has been extended due to the complexity of bookings affected by recent disruptions.

"Because of this, the new platform will now launch a day later than previously announced, early on Wednesday, May 17."

Mr McKillop continued: "The accuracy and integrity of customer data and customer bookings are key, and the system will undergo a short period of stabilising and testing before our new launch date and time, but is otherwise ready to go.

"Please be assured that there is a large team of people dedicated to launching the new platform, who are working around the clock to ensure that all customer bookings are transferred accurately.

"The on-site team has been supplemented with colleagues from our suppliers and our IT team – and we have other suppliers standing-by.

"We have organised a further period of around the clock working to ensure that our colleagues and customers are fully supported when the new system is opened up to our customers.

"Also, our Urgent Medical Protocol will still apply during the downtime. Any customers requiring urgent travel at the last minute can contact their local port staff who can help them to travel.

"I am sorry if this will cause you any inconvenience, but it is necessary so that we can migrate to the new system. Thank you for your patience and understanding."