Cumbrae's replacement ferry is offline this morning after suffering a technical hitch, leaving only one ferry in service heading towards the weekend.

The MV Loch Fyne has provided valuable support on the network following the extended break from service for the MV Loch Shira which is still being repaired, after initial hopes it would have returned to service for mid-June were dashed.

A CalMac spokesperson said: "Due to a technical issue with MV Loch Fyne, this service is suspended. MV Loch Tarbert will resume service from 9.30am."

And at 10am this morning, CalMac issued the following: "There is currently an approximately a one hour and a half wait at Largs and Cumbrae for vehicles, no wait for foot passengers."

The MV Loch Fyne has capacity for 200 passengers and 36 cars, compared to 36 cars and 250 passengers for MV Loch Shira.

The return to service of the broken-down Largs to Cumbrae ferry has been delayed after more damage was discovered,

MV Loch Shira, which usually serves on the route, has been out of service since early April for repairs to both of the ship's vehicle ramps.

MV Loch Shira is currently in dry dock undergoing ramp repairs since being removed from service. An inspection earlier this month has revealed further damage to the main deck and unfortunately, this will extend the time that the vessel will require to be off service.

A repair plan has been agreed and the estimated date for the vessel to leave dry dock is early July, but CalMac say they are exploring options to reduce this timeline.