First ferry docks at new linkspan

The first ferry has docked at the new Brodick ferry terminal.

Caledonian MacBrayne used the longest night of the year and the return of the MV Isle of Arran on Wednesday night to carry out the first berthing trials at the new pier.

The ferry carried out the trials following its arrival from Ardrossan. Without any fuss or ceremony, she slipped out of the old pier and began her manoeuvres at the new pier at high tide.

Only a handful of onlookers were there as she, first, backed into the right hand pier without incident before, secondly, reversing into the linkspan, which will be the usual pier for the ferries to dock, and lowered the car ramp.

There were a number of CalMac, CMAL officials and staff as well as representatives of the contractors George Leslie Ltd present but the trials appear to have been a success and more are planned next week.

01_A25pier03 Staff look on as the car ramp is lowered on to the new linkspan.

01_A25pier01 The first ferry sits docked at the right berth of the new pier.

01_A25pier02 The MV Isle of Arran reverses into the new linkspan.