PASSENGERS were delayed after a ferry collided with a harbour wall in strong winds.
The Brodick to Ardrossan service was caught by a gust as it approached the harbour at around 6.30pm yesterday, Clyde Coastguard said.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne said the vessel had to wait for an hour for the wind to drop before reversing in.
The coastguard said the ferry later berthed safely and the 277 passengers disembarked, with no injuries.
There were 40 knot winds in the area when the incident happened.
Some services between Ardrossan and Brodick were cancelled this morning while damage to the vessel was assessed.
The CalMac website said that sailings on the service are subject to the arrival of the relief vessel and may be cancelled or delayed at short notice.
A CalMac spokesman said: "As the MV Caledonian Isles was entering Ardrossan Harbour yesterday evening, the weather deteriorated suddenly and a 55mph (force 9) gust of wind blew her onto the Winton pier. She was tied up while the Master waited for the wind to drop to allow her to berth, which she did about an hour later, and passengers and vehicles were able to disembark. No-one was injured.
"In the interest of safety the vessel is required to enter dock for inspection and repairs, although damage is not believed to be serious.
"Regrettably this means that sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick this morning have been cancelled.
"In the meantime a relief vessel, the MV Isle of Arran, which is in Campbeltown, is being crewed up and will take up the service as soon as possible.
"However this will take some time and we ask for the patience and understanding of customers during this time."
