After initial repairs at Cammell Laird in Merseyside, the ship returned to Scotland last year, where it was expected to resume service in November. However, the ferry’s propeller shaft was found to be misaligned, causing further repairs to be carried out in Greenock. In recent months, CalMac has deployed several alternative vessels, including the MV Alfred and the MV Hebridean Isles, to maintain service on the route. "Today will mark the start of a phased return to service, allowing crew and port staff at Ardrossan to re-familiarise themselves with passenger operations. The ferry left dry dock in Leith two weeks ago and underwent a series of sea trials to ascertain if it was fit to return to service.