Work on replacing the former side-loading link span berth for overnight use is still underway and continuing delays could impact on the bank holiday weekend.

The work stared on January 15 and was supposed to last just six weeks but, with just a week until Easter and the start of the Caledonian MacBrayne summer timetable, the berth is still not safe for overnight use.

A council spokesperson said: "Unforeseen ground conditions have affected the progress of work in the overnight berthing area and extended periods of strong winds have disrupted progress, causing work to cease on occasions to ensure the safety of personnel and plant workers.

"Further extreme adverse weather is expected this next week. As a result, it is expected that the restricted timetable will, unfortunately, need to remain in force over the Easter weekend until the work is complete and trials can be undertaken with the vessels at the new berth."

At present one vessel has to berth at Gourock overnight which has led to the cancellation of the 7pm sailing from Wemyss Bay, however starting on Friday, March 21, the last sailing from Wemyss Bay is timetabled at 8.40pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with sailings from the mainland port also at 6.15pm, 7pm and 7.45pm.

The Buteman asked CalMac's regional manager, Brian Fulton, how the lack of berthing facilities will impact on the holiday weekend service. He said: "We're looking at all the alternatives should the situation regarding the overnight berth continue into the summer timetable. We will keep any disruptions to a minimum.

"I have asked that the work at the berth be prioritised and we will continue to trial the berth."

Meanwhile there was some good news this week for the island's hard pressed foot passengers after the repair of the passenger access gangway.

The new facility had been closed for three weeks, forcing passengers to embark and disembark via the car deck and vehicle link span while efforts were made to repair it.

However, while that problem had been ironed out gremlins were once again causing problems as the Buteman went to press on Tuesday afternoon - with both passenger lifts out of action and the Coruisk unable to use it,although the Argyle could.