Campaigners took to the seas on Monday in a bid to save a vital island ferry service which is facing the axe.

The service could be moved to another port and potentially make travel to the mainland more difficult for island passengers.

Many people who live on Arran hope to keep the ferry sailing to Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, and prevent the vital service from being moved to Troon, South Ayrshire.

Read more: Ferry travellers face 'fares tsunami' if traditional route scrapped

Transport minister Humza Yousaf announced a major study last week to decide where on the mainland that ships from the island should dock.

It follows weeks of speculation that the current service could be axed in favour of Troon.

Ferries have been travelling between Brodick, Arran, and Ardrossan for well over 100 years but now residents of both areas fear for the future.

Terri-Jan Lambie, 28, a bar manager from Brodick, started an online petition to protest against any potential move to replace the current service.

It has already received more than 1,500 signatures in support of her stance since it launched.

Read more: Ferry travellers face 'fares tsunami' if traditional route scrapped

Terri-Jan said moving the ferry service to Troon would be impractical for Arran residents, and hopes it can remain in Ardrossan.

She said: "I was really worried when I found out about the possibility of moving the ferry to Troon.

"We have enough issues in terms of bad weather when we are sailing across without changing our port to somewhere more impractical for us.

"I'm fine with the idea of exploring Troon as an alternative port during bad weather but not as a permanent change.

"It would be devastating for the three towns if the ferry service was to be taken away from Ardrossan."

Read more: Ferry travellers face 'fares tsunami' if traditional route scrapped

Terri-Jan said the facilities immediately available for ferry passengers as they arrive in Ardrossan are far superior to those in Troon.

She added: "I know a lot of people who live here that like going over to get their shopping at the supermarket next to Ardrossan harbour.

"There's also a great rail link as the train station is at the harbour as well.

"In Troon, there's no easy train link as the station is almost on the other side of the town from the harbour.

"Generally, the majority of people who live on Arran want the ferry service to remain the way it is and keep sailing to Ardrossan.

"Obviously it's not always great conditions sailing there and there could be improvements, but it is still a better option for us and that's what is important."

The protest at Ardrossan harbour yesterday was organised by the Save Our Ferry group.

Read more: Ferry travellers face 'fares tsunami' if traditional route scrapped

Campaigners from Arran sailed over from the island where they met up with their fellow protestors.

Karen Allan, 55, treasurer for a local disability forum, took part in the protest and said the needs of the islanders should come first.

She said: "I think the idea of moving the service from Ardrossan to Troon is absolutely ludicrous.

"First of all, Ardrossan is much closer to Arran in terms of sailing than Troon is, and you've also got to factor in facilities available in the immediate area.

"The train station in Ardrossan is right at the harbour which is ideal for passengers coming off the ferry.

"In Troon, you'd most likely have to get a taxi from any ferry terminal just to get to the train station there.

"We have got to put the islanders' interests first, and many of them want to keep the service sailing to Ardrossan.

"I just think the whole idea is madness."

Read more: Ferry travellers face 'fares tsunami' if traditional route scrapped

She added: "I hope we can show the government that Ardrossan is the best place to keep the ferry service. That's why we are protesting.

"For people who live in Ardrossan, losing the ferry service would be devastating to our town."

Associated British Ports have offered to operate the ferry service from Troon harbour, which recently lost its crossings to Northern Ireland.

But Peel Ports, owners of Ardrossan terminal, have attacked their proposals and disputed their claims of better reliability.

Transport Scotland will produce their report for Mr Yousaf in the spring.

He said last week: "We have already made significant investments in the Arran ferry route, with a new vessel on the way as well as a major upgrade of Brodick harbour.

"We now want to look at all the options available on the mainland to make sure we maximise the potential of the route."