My Experience on the Maiden Voyage of MV Glen Sannox
I joined the inaugural journey of the MV Glen Sannox and here’s what I thought
Brodick, Arran, Scotland, MV Glen Sannox, Ferry, CalMac
Brodick: After years of waiting, Shona Redmayne from Arran was buzzing to see the MV Glen Sannox finally arrive at the pier. She got up early to send off her sister to Troon, and the excitement was palpable.
I chatted with Shona after taking the maiden voyage, and while some journalists joked about the new ferry working, I felt a thrill too. It was a big deal!
Shona described the moment as “unbelievable,” saying it felt like a dream come true after all the delays and bad press surrounding the ferry. Many thought this day might never come.
As I boarded, I could sense the relief from locals eager to move past the ferry fiasco. The Glen Sannox was six years late, facing a ton of issues alongside its sister ship, the Glen Rosa.
When the ship finally left Troon, it felt like a fresh start for everyone. A lively group was already celebrating with drinks before 7 am, toasting to better days ahead.
The Glen Sannox had some speed as we headed toward Brodick, and we quickly hit some choppy waters. Shona hoped the new ferry would handle rough conditions better, and I felt optimistic about that too.
I took a look around the ship before it got too rocky. Having sailed on older vessels, it was refreshing to be on a modern, shiny ship. The old ferries will always be loved, but they’re definitely showing their age.
The Glen Sannox was spotless, with comfy seating and a huge front window for stunning views when the weather’s nice. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating for those who want to soak up the sun.
One cool feature was the four working lifts on board. I’ve never seen that many on a CalMac ship before! It was super handy, especially in rough seas.
Lesley Duncan and her friend Elaine were the first passengers on board. While Elaine felt a bit seasick, Lesley loved the ship’s design and the lifts, making it more accessible for everyone.
“It’s absolutely stunning,” she said, praising the improvements. “The lifts make it so much easier for people.”
Passengers will be thrilled about the spacious canteen too, especially compared to the smaller ships. You can grab a full Scottish breakfast or some famous CalMac mac and cheese for lunch!
If you want a souvenir, the gift shop has loads of cute stuff, like cuddly CalMac lions and local spirits. It’s a great way to remember the trip.
This ship was roomy and easy to navigate, and it handled the strong winds well. But if you’re prone to seasickness, I’d suggest bringing some tablets!
I even got a peek at the bridge on the way back. It looked much fancier than others I’ve seen, and the captain seemed relaxed as we approached the mainland.
On the way, I spotted a plaque that said, “MV Glen Sannox, launched in 2017 by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland.” It made me chuckle, thinking about how long it took to get here.
For those on Arran, it’s time to move on from the past. Here’s hoping the Glen Sannox can provide the reliable service the beautiful island deserves!