| DATE |
NEWS |
|
31/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to the low tides on the
Leverburgh - Berneray route, the 1430 ex Berneray & 1540 ex Leverburgh
by Loch Portain will not operate today. The Loch Fyne will also
miss the 1245 & 1345 ex Lochaline & 1310 & 1410 ex Fishnish for the same reason.
|
Terminals:
Work on Oban's new linkspan is progressing well. Latest picture
opposite shows a large crawler crane assisting with operations outside
the new terminal building. The secondary berth is currently occupied
with construction traffic both on the water and shore side. |

Oban Terminal Today |
|
|
|
|
30/01/06 |
Isle of Lewis entered West Float Dry Dock in Bidston at 0015 this
morning after her long voyage south from Ullapool. Her annual overhaul
will begin later today.
Western Isles:
Due to the low tides on the
Leverburgh - Berneray route, the1110 ex Berneray & 1220 ex Leverburgh
by Loch Portain did not operate today. The Loch Fyne also
missed the 1245 ex Lochaline & 1310 ex Fishnish for the same reason.
|
Clyde:
Loch Ranza arrived at Rothesay today after sailing
from Gigha (via overnight at Campbeltown) to undertake essential repairs to her damaged Voith unit. She
will remain there until a slot becomes available.
The Gourock - Dunoon subsidy has been revealed today. Following
questions to the Scottish Information Commissioner about the service
operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, it was revealed today on BBC Radio
Scotland's 'Scotland Live' programme, that CalMac received a total of
£10.6 million for the Gourock - Dunoon service alone over the past five
years. In the last year, CalMac received £2.25m for the crossing.
Reported on
ClydeShipping.co.uk (external link) |

Loch Ranza @ Rothesay Today |
|
|
|
|
29/01/06 |
Isle of Lewis was noted around 1700 off the southern tip of the
Isle of Mann on her way to overhaul in Birkenhead today.
She later arrived off Liverpool Bar at 1930, passing the Mersey
Bar at 2040 and Crosby 2115.
Western Isles:
The Fishnish – Lochaline service was suspended today
due to mechanical problems with Loch Fyne. Normal service was
resumed c1600.
Clyde:
The Colintraive - Rhubodach service is now operating as
timetabled. Loch Bhrusda is currently sitting at Fairlie pier on
the opposite side to which the Isle of Arran was berthed for her
lay up. She is awaiting a space at Ardmaleish for her annual overhaul. |

Loch Bhrusda Today at Fairlie |
| |
|
| 28/01/06 |
Clyde:
Caledonian Isles is now back on station
and noted looking pristine. She
arrived in Brodick at 0945 from
Ardrossan as per schedule. She left Brodick again at 1105 as per normal.
After loading her gangway last night
Clansman, sailed for the Western Isles.
Isle of Cumbrae swapped with Loch Riddon tonight on
the Tarbert - Portavadie / Lochranza roster to allow the latter
to proceed to Gigha to relieve the Loch Ranza which is currently
suffering Voith problems. Loch Ranza is returning to the Clyde
for essential repairs.
Western Isles:
Clansman relieved the Isle of Lewis this afternoon on
the Ullapool - Stornoway crossing, allowing the larger ferry to sail
direct for Birkenhead for her three week overhaul. She departed Ullapool
at 1700 this evening.
|
NorthLink:
The Hamnavoe departed Stromness at 07:30 this Morning for her annual dry dock.
The Hebridean Isles (which lay on the Stromness inner berth last night)
came onto the linkspan at around 08:00. The Hebridean Isles then undertook her
first Scrabster Stromness sailing of 2006 at 09:00.
While on the route the Hebridean Isles will be using the old berth (“Ola Pier”)
at Scrabster and is carrying a NorthLink Master acting as port pilot for both Scrabster
and Stromness.
During the Hebridean Isles cover there
is also a revised timetable in operation due to the Hebridean Isles having a slower service speed. Please see the external
link above for more details.
|

Hebridean Isles at Stromness |
| |
|
| 27/01/06 |
Clyde:
Caledonian Isles is on her way back from overhaul at Aberdeen and
was showing on AIS Live at c1800 heading for the Sound of Islay. She's
is expected back on station sometime tomorrow relieving the Clansman
to head north.
|
NorthLink:
The Hebridean Isles arrived in Scrabster Today from Kennacraig. She then
sailed from Scrabster at 13:00 and is expected to arrive in Stromness at 15:00
where she will go onto the inside berth as the Hamnavoe will be using the linkspan.
The Hamnavoe's Captain boarded the ship at 2100 this
evening and she is due to sail tomorrow for her annual refit
in Denmark.
The Hamnavoe's last trip before departure will be the 19:00 from Scrabster to Stromness.
The Hebridean Isles' first sailing on the Pentland Firth route will be at
09:00 departing Stromness.
|

Hebridean Isles landing gangway beside Hamnavoe |
| |
|
| 26/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Hebridean Isles departed Kennacraig today to head to Scrabster to
relieve the Hamnavoe on the Scrabster - Stromness roster. Loch
Bhrusda has been sighted passing Fionnphort, Sound of Iona heading
South at 1345 this afternoon on her way for annual overhaul. She later
berthed at Port Askaig for the night. |

Loch Bhrusda at Port Askaig |
| |
Advanced passenger sailing information: Due to the low tides on the
Leverburgh - Berneray route, the following sailings have had to be
cancelled:
Monday 30/01/06 - 1110 ex Berneray & 1220 ex Leverburgh.
Tuesday 31/01/06 - 1430 ex Berneray & 1540 ex Leverburgh.
Wednesday 01/01/06 - 1430 ex Berneray & 1540 ex Leverburgh.
Thursday 02/01/06 - 1430 ex Berneray & 1540 ex Leverburgh.
Also due to ongoing construction work and tidal restrictions the
following sailings are cancelled on the Lochaline - Fishnish
route:
Monday 30/01/06 - 1245 ex Lochaline & 1310 ex Fishnish.
Tuesday 31/01/06 - 1245 & 1345 ex Lochaline & 1310 & 1410 ex Fishnish.
Wednesday 01/02/06 - 1345 ex Lochaline & 1410 ex Fishnish.
All other sailings are as per timetabled. (Any further information
required please check the external link above).
Clyde:
Coruisk is back in service today having regained her sailings
between Wemyss Bay - Rothesay this afternoon. |
| |
|
| 25/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran arrived at Port Askaig today to relieve the
Hebridean Isles who will head north tomorrow to Stromness. |

IoA Today at Port Ellen |
| |
|
| 24/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran left Tobermory today and will berth overnight
at Port Askaig departing for Kennacraig tomorrow morning. She will take
up the scheduled 1800 sailing to Port Ellen tomorrow night. Isle of
Lewis leaves on Saturday 28/01/06 for overhaul in Birkenhead.
(Thanks to
WHSC).
Clyde:
Some advanced passenger information for Ardrossan - Brodick: The
1230 sailing from Ardrossan and the 1350 sailing from Brodick have been
withdrawn from the timetable on Saturday 04/02/06 and Monday 06/02/06 as
per information printed in the timetable.
NorthLink:
Hamnavoe is due to be relived on her Scrabster - Stromness
roster by the Hebridean Isles
this Friday. She will depart from Kennacraig on Thursday
26/01/06 at c1200 bound for Stromness after a crew changeover |
| |
|
| 23/01/06 |
Clyde:
Juno back braving the winter weather today, took the 0800 sailing from Wemyss Bay - Rothesay this
morning to cover for the Coruisk who is suffering from technical
difficulties. Coruisk has been off service since mid-afternoon
yesterday. Coruisk left Rothesay pier at roughly 0945 today possibly for
James Watt Dock for repairs. She later arrived at Gourock as Saturn
departed on her 1420 run to Dunoon. It has almost been a month since
Juno was last in service after Saturn suffered engine trouble
in December last year. |

Bute & Juno Today |
| |
|
| 22/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Mull performed an additional sailing leaving Craignure for Oban
at 0900 this morning with additional traffic. She spent last night at
Craignure. Lord of the Isles has taken the additional sailing to
Colonsay after the aborted attempt in bad weather to reach the island on
Friday.
She returned to Oban with 3 cars and a van aboard.
|
Clyde:
Due to technical problems with Coruisk, the following one vessel
service will operate on the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay roster: 1600,
1730 and 1900 sailings from Rothesay. 1645, 1815 and 1945 sailings from
Wemyss Bay. Caledonian Isles is due to leave Aberdeen on 26/01/06
and is due back at her Arran station on 28/01/06. She is currently
nearing the end of her overhaul and now supports her full original CalMac emblem on her
bow visor (see picture, right). Clansman is due in at James Watt
Dock for her annual overhaul sometime in March after relieving Isle
of Lewis at Stornoway for her annual overhaul. |

CI With New Bow Emblem |
| |
|
| 21/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to a combination of the high volume of traffic and vessel movements
there will be an additional sailing leaving Craignure for Oban at
0900 tomorrow utilising Isle of Mull. Lord of the Isles is going to Colonsay tomorrow,
she did the 1600 / 1700 Craignure today. The 'shuffling' at the berths in Oban is
probably due to the work on the seabed for the 2nd linkspan which we
will probably see more of through to March. |
| |
|
| 20/01/06 |
According to ASPects December issue, (the in-house journal for ASP Ship
Management), Muirneag appears to have passed from Harrisons
(Clyde) as managers to ASP Ship Management.
|
Western Isles:
Lochnevis has had to abandon her
call at Muck
on the Mallaig - Small Isles roster and will only be making the
first call at Eigg due to adverse weather conditions. Loch
Ranza is due on sea trials today after her annual overhaul. If all
is successful and weather permitting she’ll sail for Gigha tomorrow, to
relieve Loch Linnhe. Loch Linnhe will then sail to Oban
and be spare, until Wednesday, when she will depart for Barra to relieve
Loch Bhrusda for her overhaul. The Isle of Mull's Oban - Colonsay service
was aborted due to adverse weather. Isle of Mull arrived back in
Oban at 1545 via the Sound of Kerrera and berthed at the linkspan about
10min later, the CityLink Coach waited for passengers before departing. An additional sailing will take
place on 22/01 at 0900 weather permitting. |

IoM Retuning To Oban Today |
The 1800 sailing from Kennacraig - Port Ellen was delayed by
10min due to cars reversing off at Kennacraig. Hebridean Isles
couldn't swing round to the berth due to high winds so cars
were required to reverse off her ramp.
Clyde:
Isle of Cumbrae is due to launch sometime next week after completing
her annual overhaul. Loch Tarbert, is due to slip at Ardmaleish
at high water this afternoon for her overhaul. She is due to depart
Rosneath late this morning.
Clansman departed Brodick at 1640 for Ardrossan but has been
diverted to Gourock due to adverse weather conditions. ETA at Gourock is
1835. There will be a bus from Ardrossan at 1800 for Gourock.
Clansman later departed from Gourock at 1940. The estimated time of
arrival at Brodick is 2130. There will be buses at Brodick for foot
passengers due to the late arrival time. |
| |
|
| 19/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to weather conditions in the Sound of Barra the 1710 ex
Ardmhor and the return 1815 ex Eriskay have been cancelled. Weather
permitting timetable will be as normal for friday 20/01. (check
external link above for updates)
|
| |
|
| 18/01/06 |
Western Isles:
The 1800 sailing from Kennacraig - Port Ellen by Hebridean
Isles was diverted to Port Askaig due to barley boat occupying the
berth. Loch Linnhe is scheduled to exchange rosters with the
Loch Bhrusda on the Barra crossing allowing the latter to go for her
annual overhaul. She is expected to depart Oban on 24/01/06 bound for
Barra and take up sailings the next day.

Delay in Ferry
Route Announcement (external link) |
| |
|
| 17/01/06 |
Western Isles:
After finishing her stint of relief duties at Oban, Isle of Arran
has relocated to Tobermory where she will stay for around a week.
Isle of Mull is back on the Oban - Craignure run and Lord of the
Isles is now back on the Coll - Tiree and Barra - Uist run. |
| |
|
| 16/01/05 |
All CalMac and
NorthLink rosters appear to be back
to normal after server weather disruptions over the last few days.
However please check the external links above for any changes. |
| |
|
| 15/01/06 |
Caledonian Isles is well underway with her refit in Aberdeen. Two
pictures of her current state today are shown opposite.
Western Isles:
Due to adverse weather the
Sconser - Raasay
1000 sailing ex Raasay and the 1030
sailing ex Sconser have been cancelled. The next scheduled sailings are
at 1600 ex Raasay and 1630 ex Sconser (weather permitting) Update:
Loch Striven Sailed as normal at 1600 and 1630.
The Ardmhor - Eriskay
09:30 sailing ex Ardmhor and the
10:30 ex Eriskay have also been cancelled due to the weather.
Hebrides was delayed today for a departure to Uig from North Uist, but due to an
improvement in the weather she departed Lochmaddy at 1455.
Clyde:
With the strong winds, the
Colintraive- Rhubodach
service will be reduced and
liable to disruption. |


Caledonian Isles Today |
| |
|
| 14/01/06 |
Western Isles:
The 1345 sailing ex Lochaline and 1410 ex Fishnish have been
cancelled today. This is due to essential maintenance needed on the
vessel. Lord of the Isles
today has swapped rosters with Isle of Arran, the former is now
concentrating on Mull and Colonsay crossings with the latter is rostered
to the Outer Isles. Lord of the
Isles later departed Oban at c1400 to Colonsay after the weather
disrupted sailing yesterday. On her return she berthed overnight at
Craignure.
Clyde:
Isle of Mull left the Clyde this morning after rudder repairs.
She is currently heading back for Oban where she will regain her normal
sailings on the Oban - Craignure roster. Sighted off Brodick at
1025 is is well underway home. |

IoM Heading down the Clyde This Morning |
| |
|
| 13/01/06 |
Western Isles:
The 0945 sailing from Port Ellen was diverted to Port Askaig due to
weather conditions. The sailing to
Colonsay has also been cancelled, the next sailing will be tomorrow at
1400.
Eigg, was involved in the rescue of four divers after
their speedboat, the Sunbird, broke down on the way to a dive
site in Ardmucknish Bay off Ledaig north of Oban. The coastguard was
notified of the engine failure but Eigg was in direct contact
with the divers. The crew put out a tow to bring the speedboat back to
the Lismore berth with all the passengers safe and well.
Clyde:
Clansman was using Gourock again this morning at 1025 instead
of Ardrossan. Both Coruisk and Bute have also been there
today due to the adverse weather conditions making berthing at Wemyss
Bay difficult.
|

Clansman @ Gourock Today

Clansman Heading for Brodick |
| |
|
| 12/01/06 |
Western Isles:
The 1300 sailing from Kennacraig - Port Askaig on Islay was
cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The run will be back to
normal tomorrow according to weather conditions.
Clyde:
Bute is due to depart Gourock at 1345 bound for Rothesay on Bute,
Wemyss Bay is currently not available to dock at due to the adverse
weather conditions. The 1350 Clansman sailing from Brodick is now
cancelled. The next possible sailing will be 1640. She was later sighted
heading for Gourock (diverted from Ardrossan due to weather) and should
arrive just after 1800. |
| |
|
| 11/01/06 |
All Western Isles routes appear to be back to normal today after the weather conditions
over the past few days. However, there are still problems in the Northern Isles with NorthLink.
The Hamnavoe's morning 0630 sailing from Stromness to Scrabster was delayed until 0830, consequently,
the 0845 sailing from Scrabster sailed at 1100. The 1100 sailing from Stromness and the 1315 sailing
from Scrabster were cancelled, as well as the 1645 sailing from Stromness and the 1900 sailing from Scrabster.
The Hjaltland's Aberdeen Lerwick sailing left on time, however, the Hrossay's Lerwick Kirkwall
Aberdeen service is disrupted and is only leaving Lerwick at 22:00 and NOT calling at Hatston (Kirkwall).
|
| |
|
| 10/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Weather conditions continued to cause disruptions today. The
1530 Lord of the Isles sailing from Oban - Barra /
Lochboisdale was cancelled. The next sailing should depart Oban at
0900 tomorrow arriving at Barra at 1400, Lochboisdale 1530 and back at
Oban for 2230. The 1345 Isle of Lewis sailing ex Stornoway and
the 1715 return from Ullapool were cancelled. The 1330 Hebrides
Tarbert – Uig service was cancelled as was the 1530 return.
Services on the Sconser - Raasay and between Ardmhor
- Eriskay were suspended.
|
| |
|
| 09/01/06 |
Caledonian Isles was noted approaching Aberdeen Harbour for her
annual overhaul at c09:30 this morning.
Western Isles:
Isle of Lewis is
currently stormbound at Stornoway, a decision will be made at mid-day
about the possibilities of sailings today. Lord of the Isles is
also currently stormbound at Lochboisdale, a decision on weather she
will sail or not will be made at 14:00. Isle of Arran has
presumably turned back form her crossing to Colonsay as she is now in
Oban bay at c1530. Hebrides is currently stormbound at Lochmaddy.
She later departed from Lochmaddy at 1600 sailing direct to Uig. From
there she will sail, Uig to Tarbert then Tarbert to Lochmaddy. Where she
will remain for the evening to take up Tuesday's timetabled 0730
departure.
There are quite a few
disruptions to services this morning due to adverse weather conditions.
Barra - Eriskay:
Chargehand has now cancelled the
09:25hrs ex Ardmhor and the return 10:30hrs ex Eriskay. Weather
permitting the next sailing will be at 12:30hrs ex Ardmhor and 14:10hrs
ex Eriskay. Update: All sailings cancelled, a sailing around 1600
will be reviewed nearer the time. Berneray -
Leverburgh: The 0915 sailing
from Berneray and also the 1025 sailing from Leverburgh have been
cancelled. Situation to be reviewed at 1300. Update: There are
now NO sailings today on the Sound of Harris roster.
Mallaig - Small Isles:
The 1020 dept from Mallaig to the Small
Isles, has been cancelled.
Fionnphort - Iona:
Service is currently suspended. This will be
reviewed for the 1015 hrs ex Fionnphort. Update: There will be NO
more sailings today.
Sconser - Raasay:
Sailings cancelled. Review sailings at 10.00.
For more information and updates please check the external link above. |
| |
Clyde:
Wemyss Bay - Rothesay
and Gourock - Dunoon sailings are disrupted due to adverse
weather conditions. Further update expected at 1600. Update:
Sailings to Bute are now being routed via Gourock.
For more information and updates please check the external link above.
NorthLink:
There are delays Affecting Lerwick Departures,
Hrossey arrived in Lerwick at
0730 but due to adverse weather conditions this sailing is scheduled to
depart at 2200. Expected Arrival in Aberdeen is 0900. Check-in and
Boarding will be as normal.
For more information and updates please check the external link above. |

Bute Battling the Weather Today |
| |
|
| 08/01/06 |
Clyde:
Clansman has taken up the Ardrossan - Brodick roster to
allow Caledonian Isles to sail north to Aberdeen for annual
overhaul. Isle of Arran has swapped rosters with the Lord of
the Isles and is now on the Oban - Craignure route. Isle
of Mull in now in James Watt Dock to have attention to her damaged
rudder carried out. |

Clansman @ Ardrossan Today |
| |
|
| 07/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Clansman is showing up on
AISlive.com
currently, approx. between Islay and Kintyre 2012 heading for Brodick.
(Clansman AIS ref - 232003288).
Clyde:
Isle of Arran passed Hunterston today at 1145 heading for Ardrossan
to load crew cars. After arriving at Ardrossan at around 12:20 she
canted off the pier waiting to berth before heading north to Oban to
cover the Clansman. The Fast Rescue Craft from the Caledonian
Isles had been deployed for a practice during her extended stay at
Ardrossan this lunchtime, and was sighted dotting about the place.
Possibly the last time both the new and old Arran ships met was 1993
when Caledonian Isles suffered a technical fault when entering
service and the Isle of Arran has to stay and support her for a
while longer on her service. |

Isle of Arran Passing Hunterston

CI & IoA @ Ardrossan Today |
| |
|
| 06/01/06 |
Western Isles:
After returning from Barra,
Clansman did the 1600 return sailing to Mull.
While the Isle of Mull, after returning from Colonsay, lay idle
at the railway berth. After loading crew cars,
Isle of Mull moved back to the railway
berth to let Clansman in at 1745. Later, Lord of the
Isles returned to Oban to take the 2130 sailing to Craignure and the
mull roster until the Isle of Mull
returns to service. With Clansman sitting in the sound of
Kerrera, Lord of the Isles left for
Craignure, leaving the berth open for Clansman to re-berth. After
the Clansman re-berthed at the linkspan, the
Isle of Mull left Oban at 2200hrs for Garvel.
she will arrive around 0700 (Saturday) at
Gourock to unload crew cars then continue to dry dock when the tide is
appropriate for repairs. Isle of Arran will venture north in the
next few hours to relieve the Clansman, to let her also venture
to the Clyde.
Clyde:
Clansman will sail from Oban on Saturday to replace Caledonian
Isles on Sunday. Caledonian Isles will then make the 36-hour
journey to Aberdeen for her annual overhaul. Caledonian Isles is
expected to complete the Saturday sailings, then sailing direct to
Aberdeen after she unloads at Brodick around 1855. Clansman is
then expected to berth around 2300 at Brodick on Saturday. The first 1st
Clansman sailing on Ardrossan - Brodick this year will be the
1105 on Sunday. |
| |
|
| 05/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Clansman left Barra tonight for Lochboisdale, she will be back in
to Barra in morning for sailing to Oban. She will then possibly head
south to the Clyde to cover for the Caledonian Isle's annual
overhaul which is due to take place on 09/01/06.
Due to weather conditions the
1330 Loch Portain sailing ex Berneray and 1440 ex Leverburgh were
cancelled today. The Loch Bhrusda's Sound of Barra service was
suspended also due to the weather. Normal sailings should resume
tomorrow weather permitting.
Clyde:
Isle of Cumbrae was noted having some minor maintenance work
carried out today while still currently berthed at Rothesay awaiting her
annual overhaul. |
| |
|
| 04/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Lord of the Isles is currently berthed at Craignure pier to free up
berths in Oban while she is currently spare. She will then cover for
either the Isle of Mull or Clansman (who is due to cover
the Caledonian Isles soon) when they head for the Clyde.
Both the Isle of Mull and Lord of the Isles were Flying
there Flags at Half mast in a mark of respect for the long serving
Crewman of Colonsay pier Mr Charlie McKinnon that past away recently.
The Isle of Mull also stayed an extra hour in Colonsay to let the
crew attend the funeral.
Passage From
WHSC:
The island community of Colonsay is
in mourning after the sudden death of Mr Charlie McKinnon, a
much-loved resident, who will be greatly missed. Mr McKinnon, a pier
worker with Caledonian MacBrayne, died on Wednesday, December 21st,
as ISLE OF MULL docked at Colonsay Pier. He was aged sixty-nine. After
exchanging ropes with the ship’s crew he collapsed and died as he
prepared to help with the gangway. A one-minute silence was held in
his memory on Friday 30th on the pier, the ship’s horn
sounding the beginning and the end of the minute. A stalwart of the
community, he will be remembered not only as an elder of the church,
but also as a crofter, fireman, refuse collector and bus driver. Many
visitors to Colonsay will remember his summer bus tours around the
island. Mr McKinnon’s funeral was held on Wednesday 4th and
the ferry was tied up for an hour to allow his CalMac colleagues and
friends from the mainland time to attend. The New Year’s Day ceilidh
was cancelled as a mark of respect. He leaves behind a wife, May.
Clyde:
Loch Ranza was sighted passing Toward at midday on her way to
Ardmaleish for her annual overhaul. She later berthed at the yard. |
| |
|
| 03/01/06 |
Western Isles:
Loch Linnhe has suffered some technical difficulties today and as
a result the Gigha sailings have been cancelled until further notice.
(see external link above for more information) |
| |
|
| 02/01/06 |
Clyde:
Loch Ranza is due to move from Fairlie Pier to Ardmaleish
Boatyard, Bute on 04/01/06 for overhaul and Isle of
Cumbrae is scheduled to go from Rothesay to Ardmaleish Boatyard,
Bute on 05/01/06 for overhaul. |
| |
|
| 01/01/06 |
Clyde:
Isle of Cumbrae is now confirmed berthed at the outer berth at
Rothesay awaiting a move to James Watt Dock to begin her annual overhaul
which is expected in the next few days. |
|
Past News Logs: |
| Click
HERE to see the past fleet news logs |