| DATE |
NEWS |
| 28/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to a mechanical failure
with Bruernish (presumably the recurring fault with her engine
or gearbox) the Oban - Lismore service @ 1445 ex Oban and 1545
ex Lismore have been cancelled.
Due to tidal restrictions on the Sound of Harris (Leverburgh -
Berneray) roster today the 1110ex Berneray & 1220ex Leverburgh have
been cancelled. There will be extra sailings on 1st & 2nd March only at
0945ex Berneray + 1050ex Leverburgh.
Due to Adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, the morning
sailings on the Sound of Harris (Leverburgh - Berneray)
have been cancelled. The next sailing departing from Berneray will
depart at 1530, weather permitting.
Due to high tides and adverse
weather conditions earlier this morning, Hebrides is currently
running approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes late on the Uig -
Tarbert / Lochmaddy roster.
Due to low tides the following sailings
have been cancelled on the Tayinloan - Gigha roster 1130 /1230
from Gigha and the 1200 from Tayinloan. The service will resume at 1330
from Gigha.
The 1345 sailing from Stornoway - Ullapool by
Isle of Lewis has also been cancelled due to adverse weather (For further information please check the external link
above)
NorthLink:
There are delays affecting
Lerwick Arrivals. Hrossey
arrived in Lerwick at 1130 and is scheduled for departure at 1900
sailing direct to Aberdeen.
The next scheduled departure
from Kirkwall (Hatston) is the 2345 sailing to Aberdeen on Wednesday 01
March.
The adverse weather is
also affecting the Pentland Firth Route.
Hamnavoe departed Scrabster at
11:15 to arrive in Stromness at 13:30. The 1645 sailing from Stromness
and the 1900 sailing from Scrabster this evening will be reviewed at
15:00 this afternoon.
Update:
Hamnavoe arrived in Stromness at 1310. Due to adverse weather
and tidal conditions and in the interest of passenger comfort and
safety the 1645 sailing from Stromness and the 1900 sailing from
Scrabster this evening have been cancelled. The following revised
timetable will operate on Wednesday 01st March. Depart Stromness 0900
Depart Scrabster 1100. Depart Stromness 1645 Depart Scrabster 1900. |
| |
|
| 27/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to tidal restrictions on the Sound of Harris (Leverburgh -
Berneray) roster today the
1110ex Berneray & 1220ex Leverburgh have been cancelled. There will be
extra sailings on 1st & 2nd March only at 0945ex Berneray + 1050ex
Leverburgh.
NorthLink:
There are cancellations affecting the Pentland Firth roster this
evening. Hamnavoe
arrived in Stromness at 2045.Due to the severe weather forecast and in
the interest of passenger comfort and safety the next sailing will be
delayed and will depart Stromness at 0900 to arrive in Scrabster at
1030. The 0845 sailing and the 1315 departure from Scrabster have been
combined and will now depart at 1100 all further sailings should be as
scheduled. For further information please check the external link above |
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|
| 25/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Eigg returned briefly to Oban last night, having completed her
annual overhaul at Corpach. She loaded crew cars this morning as Isle of Mull
arrived back from Craignure at 09:45 and then set sail bound for
Port Askaig. She will spend the next couple of weeks relieving on
the Port Askaig - Feolin service on charter to Argyll and Bute
Council.
Raasay is not using the buoy in Tobermory Bay at the moment,
her crew instead opting to secure her against the stern of Isle
of Arran. |
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|
| 24/03/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Cumbrae noted on the Oban - Lismore roster today.
She arrived about 1030 from Lismore, unloaded her one vehicle then
swung out into the bay. Bruernish was berthed adjacent to the
slipway and moved in once Isle of Cumbrae was out the way. She
loaded a skip lorry and tried to load another van without success for a
charter to the island of Kerrera across the bay, a service normally
provided by a small private craft further down the sound. The van was
an 'Oban Express' and trying to get it on was somewhat problematic.
Eventually the crew unloaded the goods from the van, left them on the
deck in front of the skip lorry and Bruernish sailed at c1055.
Once Bruernish was on the slip, Isle of Cumbrae came
alongside, berthing just in front of the fish shed.
Loch Bhrusda was also noted 'in town' berthed in Oban on her way
back from her annual overhaul. |
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|
| 23/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Having arrived back in Mallaig yesterday afternoon, Lochnevis
was due to re-enter service today, thus allowing Raasay to
sail south for Tobermory once again. It is reported that she should
have been back there this afternoon ready to resume her winter role
as Kilchoan ferry. We are told that the Isle of Cumbrae will
berthed at Craignure's far side berth an will be used for
transporting high loads to and from Lismore while the Bruernish
is covering for the Eigg.Clyde:
Loch Bhrusda left Largs this afternoon bound for an
overnight berth at Campbeltown. She will then continue her journey
north to the Sound of Harris where she will relieve the Loch
Portain. Loch Linnhe remains in charge of the Barra -
Eriskay run. |
| |
|
| 22/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Following her recent mechanical problems, Lochnevis has left the
Mersey and has made her way back up to Mallaig ready to re-enter
service. She was sighted off Tobermory at 13:40 as she passed
through the Sound of Mull, nearing the end of her long voyage. |
Lochnevis passing IOA and IOC at Tobermory |
| |
|
| 21/02/06 |
Lochnevis has left the Mersey today. She departed at 1500
heading north for her homeport of Mallaig.
Clyde:
Juno left Garvel Dry Dock following quick repairs on her Voith
unit and was back at the wires for much of the day. |
| |
|
| 20/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Lewis is back in service on the Ullapool -
Stornoway crossing, having relieved the Clansman yesterday.
Clansman arrived at Gourock to unload crew cars this morning
before moving to JWD to begin her annual overhaul. She will enter
Garvel Dry Dock once it becomes free.
Clyde:
Juno is in Garvel Dry Dock for the day while she has her
Voith unit repaired, following losing another blade last week.
Loch Ranza is now back on the slipway at Ardmaleish while she
has the last repairs carried out to her Voith unit. |
Loch Ranza seen at Ardmaleish |
| |
|
| 18/02/06 |
Western Isles:
After departing Liverpool last night, Isle of Lewis was seen
waiting in the Firth of Lorn at dawn. Following Isle of Mull's
departure at 0800, the Stornoway ferry then entered Oban Bay very
cautiously and berthed stern-in at the linkspan. The gangway was
tested and she took on fuel before she left again at about 09:30, bound for her home port.
Isle of Cumbrae is now relieving on the Tobermory - Kilchoan
crossing while the Raasay is off covering at Mallaig.
Bruernish is now back in service on the Oban - Lismore service.
Clyde:
Loch Bhrusda emerged from Ardmaleish and moved round to
Rothesay. |
Isle of Lewis lying in the Firth of Lorn
Isle of Cumbrae crossing to Mull |
| |
|
| 17/02/06 |
NorthLink:
It is reported that Hjaltland is soldiering on after damaging her bow at
Lerwick on Wednesday. The extent of the damage is still unclear as is the cause of
the accident, although it has been confirmed that an investigation is underway.
The vessel had to pass an MCA inspection before she could sail and only arrived at 0:45
at Kirkwall on Wednesday evening. She sailed shortly after and arrived in Aberdeen at
08:30. From the outside the damage looks to be mainly to the bulbous bow, however it
was reported that the bow doors were actually open at the time and damage was also sustained
to the bow ramp area which also acts as a water tight seal. The vessel sailed on schedule
on Thursday evening from Aberdeen and is continuing now as normal.
The Hamnavoe also had a problem opening her bow doors yesterday which delayed the ship
by 15 minutes departing Stromness. The cause of this problem is unknown.
|
Hjaltland's Damaged Bulbous Bow Yesterday
|
| |
|
| 16/02/06 |
Lochnevis arrived on the Mersey at 0730 this morning. She
approached the Douglas Platform in Liverpool Bay doing 11 knots. She is
due at Birkenhead at 1100. She may go into the dry dock that Isle of
Lewis comes out of. Update: Lochnevis is now in
Birkenhead in the old camel Lairds dry dock. She will remain there until
repairs to one of her propulsion units is complete. We currently do not
know how long this will take although it may be some time. Further
updates to follow.
Western Isles:
Due to technical problems the Loch Fyne is unable to undertake
any sailings on the Fishnish - Lochaline roster. (check external
link above for updates) Due to adverse weather the Lord of the Isles
was unable to make a landing at Tiree
today for any traffic or passengers. The next sailing from Oban will be
Saturday 18th February at 0645.
Clyde:
Saturn took over the Gourock - Dunoon run some time
during the day from Juno.
Terminals:
Due to workmen severing the telephone cable, Tobermory Office is
currently without telephones and computers. (check external link above
for more information) |
Lochnevis Arrives on the Mersey
Passing a more Regular Ferry |
| |
|
| 15/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Bruernish is currently receiving attention to her engine via
a truck mounted hydraulic crane while she sits at the small vessels
berth at the CalMac terminal in Oban. Isle of Cumbrae is still
providing a car and pax service to Lismore. Lochnevis was sighted
heading down the Clyde this afternoon heading for the Mersey, where she
will be dry-docked for further repairs to one of her propulsion units.
Juno is to be dry-docked at Garvel on Monday, taking
Clansman's allotted place, which will in turn be docked a day or so
later. Juno has another broken blade in one of her Voith
Schneider units - this also happened last July when she had to be docked
at Troon in similar circumstances. |
Bruernish receives attention |
| |
Clyde:
The 18.20 sailing from Gourock and the
18.50 sailing from Dunoon operated as a passenger service only.
|
| |
NorthLink:
The Hjatland has returned from dry dock in Denmark and carried out last night’s Aberdeen
Kirkwall Lerwick sailing. It is expected that the Hrossey will depart for Denmark to
undertake her annual dry dock around mid March.
The Hjaltland arrived in Lerwick this morning at 07:30 and there are reports that while
berthing the vessel struck the linkspan. Although the details are not clear it is thought
the ship has sustained damage and is unable to discharge her cargo. This event also raises
doubt whether she will carry out this evening’s Lerwick Kirkwall Aberdeen sailing.
Update:
There are delays affecting Lerwick Departures
Hjaltland arrived in Lerwick at 07:30 and departed at 19:30.
This resulted in delays Affecting Kirkwall (Hatston) Arrivals and
Departures. Due to technical
difficulties Hjaltland is not expected to arrive at
Kirkwall (Hatston) until approximately 0030. The onward departure from
Kirkwall (Hatston) is estimated to depart at 0130 tonight. |
| |
|
| 13/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Cumbrae was in fact heading for Oban to relieve the
Bruernish and not to Lochaline as stated yesterday. Bruernish
(on winter overhaul relief for Eigg) is currently suffering with
mechanical engine problems. Isle of Cumbrae is expected to be on
station now serving the Oban - Lismore roster. Meanwhile the
Mallaig - Armadale crossing is currently still restricted to
passenger only using the chartered vessel Ullin of Staffa. As a
result the 1600 ex Mallaig and the 1645 ex Armadale have been cancelled.
Lochnevis was sighted testing her lifeboat in JWD, its still
unclear when she is due to return north to Mallaig.
Terminals:
Work continues on Oban Terminal with a clear outline of the new
linkspan now in place. The construction is too the left of the picture
in front of the new terminal building. The current linkspan is at the
bottom just out of sight. (see picture opposite). |
Isle of Cumbrae in Oban
Oban Terminal on Friday |
| |
|
| 12/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Clansman is currently enjoying her annual winter relief for her
larger fleet mate at Ullapool. She has been running to timetable and
keeping the most northerly CalMac route open. Isle of Lewis
continues her annual overhaul at the North West Ship repairs in
Bidston.
Clyde:
Isle of Cumbrae was sighted heading down from Skelmorile the
morning. She is possibly heading for relief duties at Lochaline while
the Loch Fyne dashes to Mallaig to cover the car ferry duties to
Armadale in lu of the Lochnevis breakdown. Confirmation to
follow. |
Clansman in Loch Broom
IoL Today |
| |
|
| 11/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran is now at Tobermory berthed at the CalMac terminal
for temporary lay-up. Lochnevis is currently in James Watt Dock on the Clyde after
suffering some sort of mechanical problem in Mallaig. The
chartered vessel Ullin of Staffa is currently running the roster
to the Small Isles with an obviously restricted timetable and
capacity. (check external link above
for updates) |
IoA at Tobermory |
| |
|
| 09/02/06 |
Western Isles:
The Hebridean Isles is back from her charter in the North and she
will take her first run back on the Islay station tomorrow at 0700
allowing the Isle of Arran to head back up to Tobermory. |
| |
|
| 08/02/06 |
NorthLink:
The Hamnavoe has Has taken the Scrabster Stromness route from her relief Hebridean Isles,
sailing at 06:30. the Hebridean Isles sailed at around 05:00 for the Western Isles.
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran will head for Tobermory once the Hebridean Isles
returns from charter in the Pentland Firth. She will then continue onto
Aberdeen for her annual overhaul, one of the last ships to undergo her
touch-up. Eigg arrived at Corpach for her annual overhaul this
morning. Her mast and lifeboat were removed before being hauled up the
slip. Bruernish has taken up her Lismore sailings. |
| |
|
| 07/02/06 |
NorthLink:
The Hamnavoe has completed her post dry dock MCA tests this afternoon alongside the
inside berth at Stromness Terminal. It was initially thought that she would go to sea
today but the tests were undertaken while she was alongside. The Hebridean Isles arrived
at Stromness at 15:20 this afternoon and ended her charter period with the cancellation of
the evening return sailing to Scrabster. At 16:45 the Hebridean Isles had completed unloading,
refuelling and left the ro-ro berth and sailed into the centre of Stromness Harbour.
The Hamnavoe then swung around the pier from the inner berth to the ro-ro berth allowing
the Hebridean Isles to then berth on the inside berth. It is expected that the Hebridean
Isles will depart Stromness at 05:00 tomorrow morning and head back to Islay, weather
permitting. The Hamnavoe will resume the service tomorrow at 06:30 sailing from Stromness
to Scrabster.
|
Hebridean Isles and Hamnavoe playing musical chairs
|
| |
Western Isles:
Isle of Mull berthed bow in at Oban this afternoon at 1350.
Reason currently unknown. Isle of Mull usually berths stern first
at her home port. Hebridean Isles will be back on the
Islay station on Friday 10/02/06 as the Hamnavoe's MCA
tests were successful (see below) allowing the Isle of Arran to
presumably head back to the Clyde.
|
| |
NorthLink:
The regular Scrabster Stromness vessel Hamnavoe returned to Stromness at 22:30
last night and went onto the inner berth at Stromness terminal.
The Hebridean Isles was on the ro-ro berth and departed Stromness at 09:00 this
morning on an already disrupted timetable, see external link above for more details.
The Hamnavoe is expected to go to sea for MCA tests sometime today and cannot
take back the run until these have been concluded. |
Hebridean Isles Leaving Stromness this morning
|
| |
|
| 06/02/06 |
NorthLink:
It has been reported that the Hamnavoe has completed her dry dock and is
heading back for Stromness. It is uncomfirmed when she will be taking over her
route from the Hebridean Isles, however she is expected back in Stromness
shortly.
Meanwhile the Hebridean Isles is struggling to provide a service in the North
since the break in good weather yesterday. There are various cancellations affecting the
Pentland Firth today due to what should be described as moderate weather
conditions. Hebridean Isles first departed Stromness at
1115 today and arrived in Scrabster at 14:00. She then departed
Scrabster at 1445 and arrived in Stromness at 17:30. The 16:45 sailing from
Stromness and 19:15 sailing from Scrabster today have also been cancelled.
Tomorrow’s 06:15 sailing from Stromness has been delayed until 09:00 with an estimated
time of arrival in Scrabster of 12:00. The 08:45 sailing from Scrabster has been delayed
until 12:30 with an estimated time of arrival in Stromness of 15:30. The 16:45 sailing
from Stromness and 19:15 sailing from Scrabster are currently under review and a decision
will be made tomorrow.
(check external link above for updates) |
| |
|
| 05/02/06 |
NorthLink:
Hjaltland
arrived in Lerwick at 0700 this morning and departed at 0845 sailing for
Dry Dock and her annual overhaul. The winter Dry Dock timetable for the Aberdeen -
Orkney / Shetland come into action now. There are some disruptions affecting the
Pentland Firth crossings using the Hebridean Isles this evening. After taking 3 hours
to cross between Stromness and Scrabster she finally docked at 19:50. She then departed
Scrabster at 20:05 and arrived in Stromness at 22:40 but due to the moderate weather conditions
the 06:15 sailing from Stromness and the 08:45 sailing from Scrabster tomorrow morning have
been cancelled. All further sailings for tomorrow will be reviewed at a later time tomorrow.
(check external link above for updates) |
| |
|
| 04/02/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran was late arriving at Port Askaig today due
to lifeboat call out in the Sound of Jura. She was required to cant at
the light house at the bottom of the sound.
Clyde:
Isle of Cumbrae
has moved from her overhaul position to a temporary winter berth at
Rosneath next to Jupiter
until she is required to regain her summer duties. Meanwhile the
Loch Tarbert
also sailed today from Rosneath to take up the Tarbert –
Portavadie / Lochranza roster. Loch Riddon is now to be found
relieving on the Tayinloan - Gigha crossing - it is believed this is the
first time she has been found there since the late 1990s. Loch
Bhrusda took up her slot on the Ardmaleish slip in the last few
days, following Loch Ranza moving to Fairlie while her Voith Unit
is repaired - she will return to have the unit refitted when the slip
becomes free again. |
| |
|
| 02/02/06 |
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. |
| |
|
| 01/02/06 |
NorthLink:
It is understood that the Hebridean Isles used the new pier and terminal
at Scrabster Today. The Hebridean Isles normally favours the old pier (“Ola Pier”)
which can still be used as the terminal building there is used by NorthLink for non-paid
cars and their passengers. It is also understood that the Herbridean Isles is sailing
with various NorthLink staff not required in Denmark with the Hamnavoe. These extra staff
on board are there to help on the route which has a long working day. The Hebridean Isles
is also carrying a NorthLink Master acting as port pilot for both Scrabster and Stromness.
|
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 1345 ex
Lochaline & 1410 ex Fishnish for the same reason.
Clyde:
Juno took up the Gourock - Dunoon sailings this
afternoon at either 1520 or 1620.
Terminals:
There is a Temporary Closure
affecting the Raasay terminal. The closure is at Suisnish
Point on the Brochel Road, Isle Of Raasay.
Anyone intending to travel between 1700hrs on Wednesday 8th Feb
until 2359hrs on Saturday 11th Feb 2006 on the above road. There may be
limited access but only under escort to houses accessed from the section
of closed road. This is the maximum period of closure and any earlier
opening of the road shall be advertised by signs placed in Inverarish
Village and the Ferry Terminals at Sconser and Raasay. There is NO
alternative route. However access by Emergency Services and pedestrians
who must pass the closed road will be provided.
(See external link above for more information). |
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|
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