INSTALLATION work on a new £2m linkspan at Gourock Ferry Terminal has been completed — more than two months behind schedule.

The project had been due to be finished before the end of last year but surveys carried out following the removal of the old structure revealed previously hidden issues with the berth.

Meanwhile, work on a number of snagging items and modifications to berthing fenders mean that the linkspan won't be fully operational until later this month.

It is understood that a recent docking trial for CalMac ferries highlighted the need for 'minor alterations'.

The fender modifications mean the passenger-only MVs Argyll Flyer and Ali Cat will continue to operate on an amended timetable and some sailings will continue to use the terminal's boat steps.

The new linkspan was set to be installed last November with all work completed before the turn of the year.

However, it wasn't manoeuvred into position until towards the end of January, with the main work finally declared finished on Tuesday.

Terminal owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has now returned the linkspan to ferry operator CalMac, whose vessels have been docking at the boat steps for the last five months.

CMAL also carried out £450,000 worth of repairs to the Kilcreggan steps, bringing in specialist divers to assist with work to stabilise them.

As well as the linkspan now being available for the non-vehicle carrying MVs Argyll Flyer and Ali Cat, it returns Gourock to being a port of refuge for car ferries from other routes in the event of stormy weather.

Paul Colenso, senior civil engineer at CMAL, said: "Before this work was done, we had been experiencing ongoing operational issues with the linkspan.

"At 50 years old, it had reached life expiry and repairs were no longer effective or commercially viable.

"The local community and those in Arran and Bute have been extremely patient, waiting for the linkspan to be upgraded.

"It will be another few weeks before the ferry timetable returns to 'normal', after we complete the fender modifications, but I hope ferry users will join me in welcoming the completion of the new linkspan.

CMAL is progressing a project for the redevelopment of Gourock Ferry Terminal to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the port.

Mr Colenso said: "This was a significant investment in life-extending measures to improve the resilience of the infrastructure until the ferry terminal undergoes significant redevelopment as part of our wider programme."