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thefleet...
Main
The Fleet
Fleet Features
Here we have complied a growing collection of Special Features, stories and
articles about the ships and their pasts, as well as fascinating accounts
and stories of ships both past and present...
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THE FLEET |
 Island Class
An illustrated article which goes into detail about the fleet of
eight small bow-loaders and the major part they played in enhancing transport links around the west coast.
Loch Class
Following on the the Island Class article, this piece illustrates
the next chapter in the story, when demand exceeded capacity and newer, larger ferries were brought in.
Streakers
An illustrated account of the coming of the second generation of
Upper Clyde ferry and the great improvements associated with their arrival over 30 years ago.
The Secret Ships
A little-known fact about the 1964 Western Isles trio; Hebrides, Clansman and Columba.
Where Are
They Now?
Speaks for itself! See here where previous fleet embers ended up in
their post-CalMac life.
Pioneer's Last Trip Round The Small Isles
Relieving for the Lochnevis one last time.
Suilven Sails
On!
The old Stornoway favourite has found herself all over the world
since her departure from the fleet in 1995 - see how she got on.
Small
Ferries: Kyles of Bute
A brief history of the Colintraive - Rhubodach car ferries across the Kyles of Bute run by the Bute Ferry Co. |
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THE BIGGER PICTURE |
Chris Murray, winch man for the Stornoway Coastguard Helicopter gives us a
glimpse into his aerial world...and some stunning views of the fleet!!
Big Pictures 1
Isle of Lewis poses for the camera as Chris gets dangled in
front of her.
Big Pictures 2
Loch Portain doesn't escape the attentions of the
Coastguard Helicopter!
Big Pictures 3
Hebrides is captured as she leaves Tarbert one afternoon.
Big Pictures 4
See Clansman and Isle of Lewis taking part in exercises
with the helicopter.
Big Pictures 5
Isle of Lewis crosses towards Ullapool as the helicopter
tracks her.
Big Pictures 6
Isle of Arran heads out into the Minch after finishing a
spell relieving the Muirneag.
Big Pictures 7
Clansman sets out for Ullapool and is shadowed by the
helicopter.
How We Get
Those BIG PICS
Is it a bird, is it a plane?....Nope its.... |
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PICTORIAL SPECIALS |
Life After
CalMac
Ever wondered where some of the smaller ferries to have
left the fleet in recent years ended up?
Isle of Mull as
a Clyde ferry
See what the Isle of Mull got up to in her six week absence
from Oban this autumn - not just an overhaul.
Just
Visiting
Special feature showing several members of the fleet enjoying a
spell off duty as they head to the Clyde for their annual overhauls.
Hebrides
on Trials
A pictorial feature
showing Hebrides' temporary deployment on services from Oban, following
her conversion to burn fuel oil in March 2007.
"Just the two of
us"
Sister ships have always been a part of the CalMac fleet - see some
of the more recent ones here.
Loch
Shira's Launch
The launch of CalMac's newest vessel was covered by our chief news
reporter and filmed by our DVD department.
Claymore
at Dover
Ex-CalMac fleet member makes a trip south!
"Through
the Worst of
it!..."
See some of the truly awful conditions the ships have to contend
with you on a regular basis.
"Old and New"
A picture special showing some of the older CalMac ships with their
younger counterparts (and in some cases - their replacements).
Bute's Arrival
A pictorial account of the new Wemyss Bay - Rothesay ferry's
journey across from her home in Poland via the English Channel and Irish Sea.
Caledonian
Isles' Overhaul 2006
A brief pictorial account of the Arran ferry's overhaul in
Aberdeen in January 2006.
Hebridean Isles
at Stromness
Once a year recently its been the job of the Hebridean Isles to
relieve her half fleetmate on NorthLink's Scrabster - Stromness crossing. |
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HOW DOES...? |
Loading
Methods
Illustrated article which shows the various methods employed over
the years for loading cargo an goods onto the ships.
Voith-Schneider
Units
A fascinating piece which shows how this revolutionary propulsion
system has benefited the smaller vessels in the fleet.
What Is...?!
Ever seen something onboard, or at a terminal and
wondered 'what on earth is that?' - well read on and you may find your answer! |
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HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED |
Traditional Mail
Boats
A rare reminder of the days before roll on-roll of, when MacBraynes
operated mail steamers to far off and remote communities.
Ferry Boats
Looking back to the days before the Loch Buie and the
Morvern, when Iona was served by a fleet of small launches.
Kyles Ferries
Before 1997 the tiny island of Scalpay had no bridge. This article
looks back to the ferries that provided a lifeline to Scalpay's residents.
Past
Clyde Steamers
A historical list of Clyde Steamers between 1872 - 1912.
Past Fleet
Movements
A brief description of vessel movements before SoC Fleet News came
into being.
SS
Claymore's Cabin
A little piece of MacBraynes history rests in a rather landlocked
position... |
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All material on this site © Ships of
CalMac 2001 - 2013, unless otherwise stated.
This site is NOT connected to the Official Company Site -
www.calmac.co.uk
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