| DATE |
NEWS |
| 31/05/06 |
Western Isles
Mechanical problems saw the Clansman sail for Coll
and Tiree 90 minutes late this morning. This will no doubt have a
knock-on effect on her Barra sailing later his afternoon. Coruisk
still appears to be out of service today, with there only being
three sailings today, all of which are limited capacity. |
| |
|
| 30/05/06 |
Western Isles:
We believe there is a problem with Coruisk today.
According to CalMac's disruptions page there will be an 0810h
sailing ex Mallaig and an 0850h sailing ex Armadale which will be
operating as a passenger only service (presumably Lochnevis
or other chartered vessel.) There will also be a 1615h/1800h sailing
as timetabled ex Mallaig. The 1615h/1800h (ex Mallaig) and
1705h/1840h (ex Armadale) will be able to carry a restricted number
of cars, for any bookings or enquiries please contact the relevant
port offices or check the external link above.
Update: There is a reported fault with Coruisk today and
Lochnevis took the sailings hence the reason no coaches were
allowed as she doesn't have the capacity to take both cars and coaches. |
| |
|
| 29/05/06 |
Western Isles:
The Hebridean Isles was 10 minutes late arriving into Port Askaig this evening due to adverse weather conditions in the Sound of
Islay.
Due to problems on the Mallaig - Armadale roster, there will be
some altered sailings tomorrow (Tuesday 30/05/06):
The following sailings will operate Passenger Only:
0810 ex Mallaig
0850 ex Armadale
The following sailings are under review and could be passenger only:
1615 ex Mallaig
1800 ex Armadale
(check external link above for more information) |
Hebridean Isles Tonight
|
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|
| 28/05/06 |
Western Isles:
The Hebridean Isles did not depart Kennacraig until 1320 today
due to a vehicle booked onto the sailing turning up late.
Clyde:
Due to a sea rescue earlier today the Caledonian Isles is
running approx 45 minutes late. The 1640 sailing departed Brodick at
1725 and is expected in Ardrossan at 1820. After making for Arran again
she later arrived back at
Ardrossan at 2045 reducing her delay down to 30min. The rescue happened
just outside Ardrossan only moments after the Caledonian Isles
completed her own Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) drill which she normally does
on a Sunday morning.
(check external link above for more information) |
CI From Stevenston Point Around 1620 Today
|
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|
| 26/05/06 |
Clyde:
Loch Alainn is back in service on the Largs - Cumbrae roster today
after her brief departure for minor repairs.
Ardrossan - Brodick
It has been announced busy sailings are expected during the Microsoft
UK challenge being held on the Isle of Arran. The following sailings
are expected to be operating at full capacity due to the anticipated
number of passengers travelling:
Friday 9th June 2006. 0700 ex Ardrossan and the 1640 ex Brodick
Customers are advised to travel earlier if your journey is urgent.
(check external link above for updates) |
| |
|
| 22/05/06 |
Western Isles:
According to a couple of reports we have received, the
Iona ferry Loch Buie will this summer be operating with a
reduced passenger capacity. She will apparently be one crew member
down, thus limiting her passenger numbers to 150. It will be
interesting to see if this leads to passengers missing their Oban
sailings as a result of having to wait around half an hour for the
next sailing to Fionnphort, when the one they turn up for is full...
|
Clyde:
Raasay was spotted heading down the Firth past Cloch
lighthouse earlier this afternoon. We are not sure where she was
headed but it could be Largs. Apparently the Loch Alainn is
out of service until Sunday having minor repairs and maintenance
carried out. This leaves just Loch Riddon to operate the
Cumbrae sailings over the anticipated busy Bank Holiday weekend.
Raasay may be on standby to operate relief sailings from Largs
although this is just speculation at this time! |
Raasay passing Cloch Light Today
|
|
Clyde:
Prior to her return to service, Jupiter left JWD
this morning and took her place in the Garvel Dry Dock for her
annual overhaul. She took Waverley's place after the paddler's own
overhaul was finished. Jupiter is noted as requiring a
considerable paint job after her winter ay-up at Rosneath. |
|
| 18/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran is back in service on her summer 2nd
roster at Islay. She is seen opposite today berthed in at Port Ellen
after a sailing from Kennacraig. Isle of Arran took over the run
today to allow the Hebridean Isles to go for a day's general
maintenance. She (IoA) will start the Peak Summer roster
tomorrow morning at 0700.
Weather Cancellations Today:
Barra - Eriskay:
The Chargehand on Loch Bhrusda has advised, that due to weather
conditions he was cancelling the 09:25 sailing ex Ardmhor and the
return |
Isle of Arran Today
Both ferries passing at Port Ellen
|
1015 ex Eriskay. The next return sailing is also in doubt, information
will be posted later. The 1110 sailing ex Ardmhor and the return 1300
sailing ex Eriskay have now been cancelled. Details of the next return
sailing will be updated at approx 1500 today. (check external link
above for updates)
Leverburgh - Berneray:
Due to adverse weather conditions the 1205 from Berneray and the 1330
from Leverburgh have been cancelled. The situation will be reviewed at
1400 with regard to the 1440 from Berneray and 1600 from Leverburgh.
Clyde:
Jupiter left Rosneath in the Gareloch at approximately 1230 today
and made directly to JWD (Greenock). Presumably she'll lie there until
Waverley vacates the dry-dock. She will then enter and receive
attention for her return to service overhaul. |
| |
|
| 17/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Arran was on the Islay run to Port Ellen at 0430 today, she
arrived from the mainland terminal at Kennacraig on time at 0650.
Hebridean Isles was late arriving in at Port Ellen yesterday due
to wide load at Kennacraig. |
Isle of Arran This Morning
|
| |
|
| 16/05/06 |
Clyde:
Isle of Arran departed Brodick around 0800 this
morning bound for her summer Islay roster.
After a lengthy lay-up, Jupiter will be dry-docked on
Thursday morning for her annual overhaul and return to service for her
last season.
Past Fleet:
Ex CalMac ferry Hebridean Princess berthed in at Port Ellen
today on another of her West Highland tours for the Summer season.
|
Hebridean Princess Today
|
NorthLink:
Electrical problems on the Hamnavoe this morning caused disruptions on the
Scrabster and Stromness service. The vessel left Stromness on schedule this morning
but was forced to turn back to Stromness. As a result the 6:30am sailing from Stromness
and the 8.45am sailing from Scrabster were cancelled. The vessel is now running to schedule.
NorthLink have confirmed that an electrical fault on the Hamnavoe saw the
vessel strike the Outer Holm island at the mouth of the Stromness harbour this morning.
A spokesman said that at approximately 6.30am this morning, the ship suffered a “brief”
loss of power. “As a result, while power was being restored, the vessel drifted slightly
from its course and made contact with the shore at the mouth of the harbour. There was no
sudden movement and no passengers were harmed.” After safety checks in Stromness,
the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) gave its approval for the vessel to sail.
|
| |
|
| 15/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Eigg loaded a Oil Tanker at 1045 today in Oban and headed for
Craignure (Mull). Eigg usually takes any hazardous loads across
to allow Isle of Mull to operate to full capacity.
Clyde:
Isle of Arran was noted berthed at Brodick Pier around 2045 this
evening, her move suggests she's on track to be back on the Islay
roster in the next day or so. |
| |
|
| 14/05/06 |
Western Isles:
It was
Eigg's turn to practice her lifeboat drill at her Oban berth today. The
lifeboat was lowered and manoeuvred about the area around Eigg
at 1000 this morning, before returning onboard.
Clansman made an extra call at Craignure (Mull) this afternoon
on her way out to Castlebay (Barra). The reason for her unscheduled
stop was to pick up an extra crew member.
It appears Lord of the Isles is about to hoist load at Colonsay
if she berths, the weather is apparently in doubt as she departed Oban.
The reason for her using the hoist is the wires are being replaced on
the linkspan at Scalasaig (Colonsay). See picture opposite from onboard
reporter. Update to follow shortly. Update: Lord of the Isles
berthed at a very wet and dreary Colonsay on schedule and proceeded to
use her hoist to unload and load cars at the pier. After a little
confusion from some passengers and there vehicles, the whole concept of
the lift finally got her loaded and underway again. On the return
journey a large reverberation was felt throughout the ship, and a belch of black smoke
erupted from her port side funnel - one crew member joked that we had
just witnessed a car ferry backfiring!
1)
Cars Boarding Hoist
2)
Hoist Lowering
(3GP Player Required - ie Quick Time, Opens in a New Window) |
Eigg's Lifeboat Drill Today
Van & Car Positioned to Unload |
| |
Lord of the Isles Hoist Loading at Scalasaig (Colonsay) Today |
| |
|
| 13/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Lord of the Isles underwent a FRC (Fast Rescue Craft) Lifeboat
drill in the Sound of Mull today, it delayed her arrival into Oban by
30min. |
| |
|
| 12/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Mull and Lord of the Isles swapped rosters
briefly for today. Isle of Mull took the Colonsay sailing as a
special art event onboard took place. Lord of the Isles
undertook the Oban - Craignure sailings.
Clyde:
Jupiter's generators and forward main engine ran up today in
preparation for her return to service. Her aft engine is set to run up
on Monday morning. Sadly this will probably be her last season in
service with the company after the introduction of the new Argyle
into the fleet. |
| |
|
| 11/05/06 |
Western Isles:
There are cancellations effecting the Leverburgh - Berneray
roster. The 0720 sailing ex Berneray has been delayed due to the thick
fog in the Sound. This is currently hampering the visibility in the
narrow and difficult channel between the Islands. Loch Portain
is currently awaiting an improvement in the weather before she sets off
from Berneray. We shall update this message as soon as possible.
Update: Loch Portain managed to depart Berneray 90min late
(0850) after the heavy fog lifted. She arrived at Leverburgh at 1000
and promptly departed with full throttle back across the Sound to North
Uist.
The Isle of Arran will be back on the 2nd Islay run on by the
16/17th of May. This will allow the Hebridean Isles to have her
hull sides painted.
"Ferry
Master Told to Heed Weather"
(external link) |
Foggy Leverburgh Today
Loch Portain Powers away |
| |
|
| 09/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Isle of Lewis underwent a safety drill of her lifeboat
evacuation procedure mid-Minch today. The drill lasted a short period
and all systems were OK. She conducted the test while in transit to
Stornoway at around 1130. |
|
Isle of Lewis's Lifeboat Drill Today |
Clyde:
Isle of Arran continues her wait to return to service for the
summer in JWD with her ramps
extended today. |
| |
|
| 07/05/06 |
Clyde:
Caledonian Isles berthed stern in at Ardrossan this morning. Reason
currently unknown. She usually berths bow in at the mainland port and
stern at Brodick. She was reported berthing bow in at 1440 at
Ardrossan, the problem presumably resolved.
Raasay has been sighted heading up river past Arran at 1130 this
morning, presumably to berth at Gourock after her relief stint at
Rathlin Island. On her way up, she stopped at Largs to discharge three
crew cars. She later berthed at the inside berth on DRB Marine jetty at
1510, the berth being previously held by the work boat Laura M
which had to move to let her in. |
Raasay Today @ Largs |
It appears that Loch Tarbert may be testing her systems. While
in transit to Claonaig this afternoon she span 180 degrees and
continued her journey.
The Cowal ferry Jupiter will go to JWD for her annual overhaul
shortly. Then she will return to the Gourock - Dunoon roster.
Saturn will then return to Arran 2nd roster during the summer. |
| |
|
| 06/05/06 |
Northern Ireland:
Canna left Kennacraig this morning bound for Ballycastle after
completing her annual overhaul. She will then take up her usual roster
on the Ballycastle - Rathlin Island run. It is unclear where
Raasay is headed at the moment. Raasay is currently holding
the Rathlin route open. Update to follow. |
| |
|
| 04/05/06 |
Clyde:
Isle of Arran was sighted heading up the Firth of Clyde this
morning, having been replaced on the Lewis freight run last night.
She arrived this afternoon and entered stern-first in JWD.
Jupiter will be brought back to life soon as she prepares to
enter Garvel for her annual overhaul.
Company News:
In the latest twist in the tendering process, one of the
two private companies seeking to win the contract (Western Ferries)
has withdrawn its interest in providing the vital lifeline services
across the west coast network. The other private operator (VShips)
has announced it will be considering its position soon. |
| |
|
| 03/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Muirneag returned to Stornoway from refit at 1800 this evening
to take up her Ullapool - Stornoway Freight roster. It took her
3 hours to enter the Lewis port due to the adverse weather outside the
bay.
Clyde:
Due to adverse weather the service has
been suspended on the Claonaig - Lochranza roster for the day.
Bute retuned to normal service on the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay
roster last night. She was back in full swing today after suffering
propulsion unit problems which were repaired in Dry Dock. She briefly
visited Gourock HQ (Wires) before heading back down the Clyde to her
home route. |
Bute at Gourock Yesterday |
| |
|
| 02/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to adverse weather the following sailings were disrupted today:
Oban - Coll / Tiree: The 1500 to Coll & Tiree has been
cancelled. The next sailing will be at 0600 on Wednesday 3rd May as
scheduled.
Mallaig - Armadale: The 1215 / 1335 sailings ex Mallaig and the
1255 / 1415h sailings ex Armadale have been cancelled. There will be an
update at 1400 re. sailings for the remainder of today.
Tayinloan - Gigha: Service has been suspended meantime.
Berneray - Leverburgh: All sailings on the Sound of Harris have
been cancelled for the day.
Mallaig - Small Isles: The sailing to Eigg and Muck has been
cancelled.
Tobermory - Kilchoan: Service is currently suspended, situation
will be reviewed at 1300. Conditions haven't improved situation will be
reviewed at 1430.
Ardmhor - Eriskay: Chargehand has just advised that due to
weather conditions he was cancelling the 0925 sailing ex Ardmhor and
the return 1015 sailing ex Eriskay. The 1110 and the 1300 sailings will
be reviewed later. Chargehand has now cancelled the 1110 sailing ex
Ardmhor and the return 1300 sailing ex Eriskay. The next return sailing
will be reviewed later. ie 1545 ex Ardmhor and 1635 ex Eriskay.
Fionnphort - Iona: Service is suspended until further notice, we
will update if the situation changes.
Kennacraig - Islay: The Hebridean Isles was late arriving
into Port Ellen tonight.
|
Clyde:
It is believed the technical problem with Bute has something to
do with her propulsion units. There has been reported that high amounts
of vibration near the front of the ship are felt. As a result she left
Rothesay at 2335 last night to head upriver to dry-dock. She was
sighted later today passing the diverted Caledonian Isles
(details below) and returning to Rothesay at 1815 this evening
presumably ready to take up service this evening. As a result of
Butes absence, temporary changes were made to the Gourock -
Dunoon sailings today. There was no Passenger-only service
departing Gourock at 1745 and Dunoon at 1815. They were suspended on
today and were expected on the Wednesday 3 May to allow the Alicat
(as reported yesterday) to head to the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay
roster. A temporary timetable will apply for today but service will now
resume tomorrow as normal.
Ardrossan - Brodick: As a result of mechanical problems at
Ardrossan the Caledonian Isles has been diverted to Gourock at
1105 and is expected to arrive there approx 1320. It will then return
to Brodick. Passengers are advised that a bus will leave Ardrossan @
12.25 to Gourock. Passengers are advised to be at Gourock for 1315. Due
to essential mechanical repairs to Caledonian Isles, the 1920
departure from Brodick on Tuesday 2 May 2006 and the 0700 departure
from Ardrossan on Wednesday 3 May have been cancelled. Further details
will be posted as they become available. (check external link above)
As a result of adverse weather the following sailings were affected:
Lochranza - Claonaig: Sailings have been suspended until further
notice. |
Diverted CI & Repaired Bute Pass One Another
Today on the Clyde
Alicat at Rothesay @ 1010 Today |
| |
|
| 01/05/06 |
Clyde:
Please note that a temporary timetable will apply for
Wednesday and Thursday of this week on the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay
service. The changes are being effected to allow Bute to enter
dry-dock for some technical adjustments which will enable her to resume
normal service as quickly as possible. While Bute is in dry-dock
from early Tuesday (May 2, 2006) Alicat will provide passenger
only services on the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay service in addition
to Juno, which will continue to provide vehicle services.
Alicat will operate a passenger only service between Wemyss Bay
- Rothesay from 0925 on the two days we believe Bute will be
out of service. CalMac will also honour any vehicle tickets for Wemyss
Bay and Rothesay on the Colintraive to Rhubodach and Gourock to Dunoon
services for this period to enable customers to make adjustments to
their travel arrangements wherever necessary. We regret the
inconvenience and assure our customers that normal service will be
resumed as soon as possible.
Wemyss Bay - Rothesay Ferry: Temporary Timetable from Tuesday 2 May:
Dep Wemyss Bay / Dep Rothesay
0715 / 0630
0845 / 0800
0925 Passenger only / 0930
1015 / 1010 Passenger only
1100 Passenger only / 1100
1215 / 1145 Passenger only
1300 Passenger only / 1300
1345 / 1345 Passenger only
1430 Passenger only / 1430
1515 / 1515 Passenger only
1600 Passenger only / 1600
1645 / 1645 Passenger only
1730 Passenger only / 1730
1815 / 1815 Passenger only
1900 Passenger only / 1900
1945
Alicat will provide additional services on the Wemyss Bay -
Rothesay route while Bute is in dry-dock for essential
maintenance. After fulfilling the peak early sailings between Gourock
and Dunoon at 0650 and 0750, Alicat will make her way to Wemyss
Bay. This will mean that the regular 1745 ex Gourock and 1815 ex Dunoon
passenger-only services will be suspended for Tuesday 2 May and
Wednesday 3 May. The 0650 and 0750 passenger-only sailings between
Gourock and Dunoon will be unaffected on both day |
| |
|
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| Click
HERE to see the past fleet news logs |
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