Having been the subject of numerous press stories over the past few years, the new Glen Sannox has finally entered service for CalMac Ferries Ltd, operating between Troon and Brodick. Many enthusiasts have already sampled her, but here Cameron Wilson gives his initial impressions of the new ferry, with additional illustrations provided by Neil Guthrie.

With Alfred stormbound at the far side of the pier, Glen Sannox makes an imposing sight at Brodick
Monday 13 January 2025 will hopefully be a day that is celebrated by the people of Arran and visitors alike, with the long awaited official introduction of the new Glen Sannox. The island was the focus of most of Scotland’s media and, with the inaugural 0630 sailing from Troon being on Amber alert, the headlines had already been written for failure.
However, Glen Sannox did sail and despite a reportedly rough crossing, the new ferry made it to Brodick where she was greeted by Isle of Arran and Alfred, the latter’s sailings having been cancelled for the entire day. After departing Brodick, Glen Sannox made her way back to Troon where along with many others, I was eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Glen Sannox during her 180° turn at Troon – “a manoeuvre made easy utilising her vast power and three bow thrusters”
Despite strong winds she spun around 180° before berthing, a manoeuvre made easy utilising her vast power and three bow thrusters! After seeing her come alongside I made my way into the ticket office, where there was quite a party atmosphere throughout, with CalMac flags being handed out.

The passenger gangway – “something not previously used in Troon”
It wasn’t too long before it was time to board, and so we made our way out to the gangway, something not previously used in Troon for other vessels at the berth, and entered her accommodation on Deck 5.
Once on the ship I made my way to the stern of the vessel to watch vehicles coming aboard, but it wasn’t too long before the stern ramp was raised and we departed. Heading out into the Clyde, it was quite a bumpy crossing, and although the winds had eased the swell remained, giving plenty of movement during the sailing!
Also on the 1050 sailing were fellow enthusiasts Neil Guthrie and Cammy Shaw and, for a good part of the crossing, we spent our time enjoying the well laid out Coffee Cabin and shop, and naturally discussing the new vessel. Collectively our first impressions were very positive, and of course we also debated the pros and cons of Ardrossan versus Troon!

The view over the bow from the Observation Lounge as Glen Sannox approaches the berth at Brodick
The wintry weather wasn’t easing much, and with thick cloud over the island there wasn’t a great deal to see, but after an hour or so Arran did appear through the mist.
Soon afterwards Isle of Arran also appeared as she vacated the linkspan at Brodick for us. After we passed her I made my way to the forward observation lounge to view our arrival at Brodick.
Glen Sannox eased alongside the pier and the gangway was connected. I ventured ashore, and was immediately intimidated by the new ferry’s sheer size as I headed along the passenger walkway – certainly in comparison to Isle of Arran!
Like many others, I made a beeline for the former vehicle ramp to get some pictures!

Quite a crowd assembled to view Glen Sannox at Brodick
After getting the photos I wanted I then headed back aboard for a proper look around whilst it was quiet. One thing that is certainly worth noting is that seats on board Glen Sannox are not hard to come by, with ample seating throughout.

The servery area for hot food in the Mariners Café

A view showing some of the stock on sale in her shop
The ship itself is laid out with the main passenger deck being Deck 5: here you will find the Mariners Café situated towards the bow, the Coffee Cabin and Shop at the stern, and pet areas on both the port and starboard sides between them. Deck 6 has the observation lounge overlooking the bow, with a quiet lounge on the port side as well.

Out in the open air there is plenty of seating under cover at the aft end of Deck 6
Towards the stern on Deck 6 is a covered external area, with seats and tables meaning that you can get fresh air without Scotland’s weather interfering too much.

Dressed overall for her first full day in service, this view shows the open space on the uppermost deck for passengers

In contrast, one of the internal seating areas, of which there are no shortage on board
Above it is Deck 7, the largest area of open deck, and which again has ample seating. Sadly the days of being able to stand underneath the bridge at the forward end have gone but the overall worry of a lack of external space on Glen Sannox thankfully does not appear to be a problem.
After having taken a good wander around the ship I got into position to watch the departure, powering astern from Brodick pier before using the bow thrusters to make a turn akin to that of Argyle and Bute, as we spun around to point in the direction of Troon!
As we headed out of Brodick Bay, we passed Isle of Arran once again as she headed back to the shelter of Brodick Pier. This time, however, we passed close by with both vessels exchanging salutes on their whistles, in a move that felt very much like a changing of the guard. It really is testament to Isle of Arran’s career that 31 years after handing over the main Arran service to Caledonian Isles, it would be her that again handed over the mantle to Caledonian Isles’ successor!

A general view of the Observation Lounge overlooking the foredeck
The return sailing was equally as lumpy as the way out, although Mariners was still doing good business. I myself resisted the steak pie, and found a front row seat in the observation lounge, where I enjoyed sitting, just relaxing and looking out over the swell whilst editing video clips from the day! Before too long the Ayrshire coast had come back into view, and I positioned myself at the stern for our arrival back into Troon. Compared with my last trip to Troon, when I sailed on Hebridean Isles to Brodick and back, Glen Sannox got alongside much more easily in far worse weather, and also far more quickly, once again showcasing the new boat’s power!

Confirming her date of completion as 2024, the builder’s plate is proudly displayed on board Glen Sannox
Having disembarked I left with positivity, something that sadly the Glen Sannox’s short history hasn’t had a lot of, but now that she’s in service I think islanders and visitors alike are going to enjoy sailing on her throughout her career. With her sister Glen Rosa hopefully not far behind, Arran will soon have two flagship vessels serving it as the island deserves.
Cameron Wilson is one of CRSC’s younger members, and is currently an ‘admin’ of the Club Facebook page. He also has his own YouTube channel, a recent addition being his video (below) of the trip aboard Glen Sannox he described above.
Glen Sannox launch: November 21
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Published on 17 January 2025