Caledonian MacBrayne has described the engine damage of the MV Isle of Arran ferry as "significant" and say it will be out of service until Wednesday.

The ferry, which operates up to ten sailings a day, was due to return to the waters on Friday, June 16, but has been delayed due to the severity of its repairs.

It has been announced that berthing trials specific to the MV Isle of Arran have been delayed due to the faults.

The trials have now been rescheduled for Monday June 26 and Tuesday June 27, where the boat will be tested at the new pier at Brodick in high and low tides.

Four sailings on the ferry will be cancelled to accommodate the trials - the 1.55pm sailing from Brodick and the 3.20pm sailing from Ardrossan will be affected on the Monday, and the 8.20am from Brodick and 9.45am sailing from Ardrossan on Tuesday.

All MV Caledonian Isles sailing are operating to timetable while its sister boat is out of use.

A company spokesman said: "There is currently a technical issue with the vessel MV Isle of Arran, with repairs expected to take some time.

"As a result, all MV Isle of Arran's sailings up to and including Wednesday 21st June have been cancelled.

"Our engineering team have completed examination of MV Isle of Arran's engine and the damage is significant."

He added: "Unfortunately, given the scale of this damage it is unlikely the vessel will be able to return to service until next Wednesday.

"We are continuing to transport passengers from both sides and MV Loch Bhrusda continues to be available at the Claonaig-Lochranza crossing should she be required. We apologise for the disruption caused to our customers."