The Scottish Transport Statistics official publication, released by the Scottish Government, says passenger numbers on the route fell by 150,000 journeys in just three years.

According to the figures, 692,500 people used the Ardrossan-Brodick route in 2022 – down from 849,500 in 2019, the last year before the Covid pandemic.

West of Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark described the fall as “deeply troubling”.

CalMac admitted they shared concerns over the over the figures, but pointed out that passenger numbers on Ardrossan-Brodick in 2023 increased year-on-year 720,418.

They also said the figures did not include travel on their Lochranza service.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said they were committed to investing in ferry services, and Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop had spoken to CalMac to convey her concerns.