 CROSSINGS |
 Main
Crossings
Tarbert (Loch Fyne) - Lochranza |
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Tarbert (Loch Fyne) - Lochranza |
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Crossing Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
(Winter only) |
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Regular Ship:
Loch Riddon |
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ROUTE TIMELINE:
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 Ships to Serve:
1995 - Present: Loch Tarbert / Loch
Riddon
Additional Ships:
Various members of
the Loch Class
ferries on winter duties |
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Terminal Facilities:
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Tarbert
(Loch Fyne):
A small vehicle queuing area before the concrete slipway,
sticking out into East Loch Tarbert. There is also a car park next to the
slipway, with sufficient space for a dozen or so cars. For foot passengers
there is a small shelter just up from the slipway. Nearby there is the
village of Tarbert with various shops and supplies. Lochranza:
Recently rebuilt pier provides ferry berth when not in use. Slipway and
marshalling area located next to the pier, as is the bus stop for public
transport routes around Arran.
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Route History:
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This winter only service started in the mid 1990s following the
introduction of the Tarbert - Portavadie crossing. Initially this service
from Tarbert, on the western side of Loch Fyne, to Lochranza on Arran was
started to carry dangerous loads such as gas tankers and petrol loads to
the island. Previously these loads had been carried on the CALEDONIAN
ISLES on special extra sailings from Ardrossan to Brodick, however
this was extremely costly and an alternative was soon sought. |
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It seemed only logical that the Portavadie link could be utilised to
provide an alternative solution to the dangerous loads problem. The summer
only route across Loch Fyne had proved extremely popular since its start
in 1994 and the new plan involved extending the service through the winter
months as well. This was only a trial run for the first winter season,
although it proved to be extremely popular.
Following a couple of crossings to Portavadie in the morning, the ferry
would then provide a once daily return sailing to Lochranza for any
lorries requiring the service. Upon her return to Tarbert the ferry would
then resume Loch Fyne duties.
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Loch Tarbert approaching
Lochranza having crossed from Tarbert
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More recently the Lochranza crossing was opened up for regular passengers
to use as well, although for safety purposes all passengers must be booked
on and a limit of 12 passengers applies, in case a dangerous load is being
carried. Due to the exposed nature of the latter part of the journey to
Lochranza, when heavy weather sets in this is often one of the first
routes subject to disruption as the small ferry remains in the safety of
Tarbert's harbour. The winter service is now a well established part
of the timetable each year. The crossing is operated by one of the many
Loch class ferries. At the start of the winter timetable the
LOCH TARBERT usually takes the first week or so of sailings
until the regular winter ferry
LOCH RIDDON arrives from her overhaul at the end of summer. |
Loch Riddon setting off to
Lochranza, November 2005
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 Images from Ships of CalMac Collection |
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 SoC Useful Links:
To see a more detailed description of the islands and photos, visit
Undiscovered Scotland and click on a place.
To view current cruises and ferry times and crossings in the Clyde area,
visit
Clyde Guide. |
SoC
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