UPDATE: The delivery of the MV Glen Rosa has been delayed by an additional six months, pushing the handover timeline to Q4 2026. This latest setback adds to the already lengthy delays faced by the nationalised shipyard, Ferguson Marine, and significantly impacts island communities reliant on the ferry service.
The Scottish Government-owned yard previously anticipated the ferry’s delivery in Q2 2026, but after new inspections revealed serious issues, the timeline has been extended. The estimated cost has now surged to £185 million, up from £150 million. Originally scheduled for completion in 2018, the MV Glen Rosa and its sister ferry, the Glen Sannox, have both encountered numerous delays.
In August 2025, inspections during the ferry’s first dry dock identified significant corrosion in the stern tubes and deterioration of the hull coating. Addressing these defects will necessitate additional remedial work during a prolonged second dry dock, which cannot commence until later in 2026.
Ferguson Marine’s chief executive, Graeme Thomson, expressed deep regret over the latest delay, acknowledging the disruption it causes to island communities eagerly awaiting the ferry’s entry into service. “We deeply regret having to announce a further delay in the delivery of Glen Rosa,” Thomson stated. “I am acutely aware of the disruption this causes and want to offer a sincere apology to all those impacted, particularly the island communities patiently waiting for the vessel.”
Thomson emphasized that the MV Glen Rosa remains a complex project but assured stakeholders of the yard’s commitment to transparency and improvement. He stated, “While these setbacks have confirmed historic systemic issues within our operations, they do not define our future.” Ferguson Marine is embarking on a modernization journey aimed at restoring its reputation while striving to deliver a vessel that meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
This ongoing delay raises concerns about the reliability of ferry services to Arran and highlights the broader challenges facing the maritime industry in Scotland. As the situation develops, attention will be focused on Ferguson Marine’s next steps and if they can meet the new timeline for the MV Glen Rosa’s delivery.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation affecting vital transportation links for island residents.
