The managing director of ferry operator CalMac has apologised for disruption to services.

Repairs to one of the firm's major vessels, the MV Clansman, lasting more than two months has hit timetables across the network.

CalMac manager Robbie Drummond told MSPs the terms of the contract set by Transport Scotland and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited mean in summer all vessels are in use with no relief vessel available in the event of problems.

He said repairs will continue for another ten days and the disruption was the worst faced by the company in eight years.

Giving evidence to the rural economy and communities committee, he said: "I would like to sincerely apologise to all of our customers for the inconvenience that's been caused.

"We care deeply about our communities and we do understand the economic impact on island residents and businesses, and we are very sorry for the recent disruption."

He said the challenge was in many respects "one of success", as traffic across the network had grown by 37% in the past five years.

Mr Drummond said lessons had been learned from the recent troubles including the need to improve communication and replace the ticketing system.

He warned "some impact on the service is likely" as vessels age.

Mr Drummond said six years had been spent searching for new ferries but none suitable have been available due to the need to suit Scottish waters and have an extremely shallow draft.

Delays to two new ferries under construction at Port Glasgow mean they are now expected to come into service in winter.

Meanwhile, CalMac chairman David MacGibbon told the committee the company had indicated to Transport Scotland it was interested in the possibility of taking over the rail network.

The Scottish Government is examining the suitability of existing public bodies to make a bid for the franchise or whether to create a new public transport organisation for this.

He said: "We've not had detailed conversations but we've indicated to Transport Scotland that we are willing to talk."