| DATE |
NEWS |
| 29/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn is suffering from yet another mechanical problem, and she
will not be sailing tomorrow. All sailings on Saturn to and
from Arran are cancelled until further notice. It is possible that
it is a re occurrence of the cracked engine casing she had last
month. She is currently (1830) berthed between the Irish Berth in
Ardrossan and the Linkspan berth having moved from the Irish berth
at 1735. |
| |
|
| 28/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Islay Service:
See yesterdays news for amended timetable due to
Isle of Arran being taken
out of service.
Isle of Arran
returned to service around 1300 today after damage to her bow was
assessed and minor repairs were made.
Eigg
loaded a tanker at Oban linkspan today and took it across to
Craignure (Mull). Hazardous loads are not permitted on the enclosed
deck of the Isle of Mull. |
IoA Arriving at Islay Today
|
| |
|
| 27/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to Technical problems with Isle of Arran, the 1300
sailing from Kennacraig is currently running 2 1/2 hours late.
Hebridean Isles will depart Kennacraig at 1530 to Port Askaig
and return at 1800 from Port Askaig back to Kennacraig. This in
effect will mean that the scheduled 1800 sailing tonight will also
be running late. The scheduled departure sailing at 1800 will depart
Kennacraig at approx 2030. As a result Lord of the Isles
timetabled 1145 sailing from Colonsay to Oban (arr. Oban 1400) will
now depart Colonsay at 2020 (arr. Oban 2240)
tomorrow. It is not currently known what the problem with Isle of
Arran is, although a suspected contact with Kennacraig linkspan
is likely, causing some damage to herself and the linkspan.
Update:
Islay Service - Wednesday 28th June 2006
As a result of Isle of Arran being taken out of
service until further notice, please be advised that the following
timetable will operated by Hebridean Isles and Lord of the
Isles for Wednesday 28th June 2006 only.
Hebridean Isles:
Dep. Port Askaig 0530
Dep. Kennacraig 0815
Dep. Port Askaig 1040
Dep. Colonsay 1215
Dep. Port Askaig 1400
Dep. Kennacraig 1630
Dep. Port Ellen 1900
Lord of the Isles:
Dep. Oban 1530
Dep. Colonsay 1800
Dep. Port Askaig 1910
Dep. Colonsay 2020
Arr. Oban 2240
All intending travellers are advised to contact Kennacraig office on
01880 730 253 - option 2 or Port Ellen Office on 01496 302209 -
option 2
(please check external link above for updates) |
| |
|
| 26/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Loch Buie's sailings on the Fionnphort - Iona roster were
disrupted around midday today presumably due to low tide. The service had however resumed by
the afternoon.
Isle of Mull departed 20minuets late this evening. She left
Oban at 1820 instead of the scheduled 1800 with heavy traffic.
Clyde:
Passengers aboard Caledonian Isles witnessed a rescue
helicopter hovering just above decks on an exercise around 1845 this
evening. The exercise delayed her arrival into Ardrossan.
Ex-Fleet:
Former Eigg flit-boat
Laig Bay has been put up for sale by her current owner in Oban.
More details
here.
(external link)
Company News:
CalMac Clarifies Position on Caravans in Colonsay (external
link) |
| |
|
| 24/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Hebridean Isles was ten minuets late departing Kennacraig today
due to a low loader with a digger on the back taking time to
negotiate the slipway. The 0700 departure was delayed until 0710. |
| |
|
| 22/06/06 |
Ex-Fleet:
An update on the Claymore at Dover: She remains Pentland
Ferries owned and although currently on charter is mainly crewed by their employees. |
| |
|
| 21/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to adverse weather the following crossings are affected today:
Mallaig - Armadale:
The 1455 sailing will be
departing as scheduled, weather permitting the service will resume
as timetabled for the afternoon.
Mallaig - Small Isles:
Will be reviewed on an hourly basis with a view to there being
moderation in the weather.
Update:
Lochnevis is to depart at approx 1500 from Mallaig, sailing to
Rum, Canna and back to Mallaig, e.t.a at Mallaig approx. 2100 this
evening.
Berneray - Leverburgh:
The following sailings were cancelled this morning: 0720 ex Berneray and
0830 ex Leverburgh. Loch Portain is still in Berneray. The rest of the day's
sailings are to be reviewed nearer each sailing time.
Ardmhor - Eriskay:
The following sailings have been cancelled:
0715 and 0925 ex Ardmhor
0810 and 1015 ex Eriskay
The next return sailings are also in doubt.
Update:
With an improvement in weather conditions the last 2 return sailings
on this route will go ahead as timetabled:
1545 & 1730 ex Ardmhor
1635 & 1855 ex Eriskay
Oban - Colonsay:
The Hebridean Isles did not venture up to Oban this
afternoon due to the weather. Thus the 1530 from Oban to Colonsay is
cancelled. Next sailing tomorrow with Lord of the Isles.
Oban - Castlebay:
The 1340 sailing to Barra, which was also scheduled to make an
additional call at Lochboisdale following yesterday's cancellation,
has had to be pulled for today. All being well, Clansman will
sail tomorrow morning at 0900 for Tiree and Castlebay and Lord of
the Isles will sail at 1530 for Lochboisdale and Castlebay as
per timetable.
Uig - Tarbert / Lochmaddy:
After an improvement in the weather, it is intended to operate the
following amended
timetable:
1430 ex Lochmaddy
1800 ex Uig*
1930 arr Tarbert
1940 ex Tarbert
2130 arr Lochmaddy
*the 1800 sailing is via Tarbert to Lochmaddy
The 1600 sailing from Tarbert to Uig is cancelled
(check external link above for updates)
|
Clyde:
Due to adverse weather the following crossings are affected today:
Ardrossan - Brodick:
The 0820 from Brodick saw Caledonian Isles diverting to
Gourock. Saturn's 0900 to Arran, returning at 1030 was
cancelled, as were the Caledonian Isles' 1105 from Arran and
1230 from Ardrossan.
Update:
Saturn remained at Ardrossan this afternoon; her 1330 sailing
being cancelled. Caledonian Isles left Brodick at 1350 bound
for Ardrossan, however this sailing is subject to diversion at any
time if required.
Lochranza - Claonaig:
Service has been suspended. The service will resume with the 1715
sailing from Lochranza whether permitting.
(check external link above for updates) |
Traffic @ Brodick Today
Waiting for the Weather to Clear
|
| |
|
| 20/06/06 |
Western Isles:
Due to adverse weather the following crossings are affected today:
Mallaig Small Isles:
The second call at Muck on the Small Isles
roster has been cancelled this afternoon.
Oban - Lochboisdale:
The 1530 from Oban - Lochboisdale / Castlebay has been
cancelled. The next scheduled sailing from Oban will be @ 1340 hrs
tomorrow.
Leverburgh - Berneray:
The
1730 sailing ex Berneray and the 1840 ex Leverburgh have been
cancelled. The next sailing from Berneray will be 0720 tomorrow.
(check external link above for updates)
Isle of Arran was 15mins late arriving at Port Ellen tonight due
to divers checking her propellers at Kennacraig. They were checking
for a snagged creel line.
Clyde:
Due to adverse weather the following crossings are affected today:
Ardrossan - Brodick:
With a strong southerly wind, Saturn had to make a
detour south as far as Holy Isle to turn for Ardrossan. This added
to her journey time and although leaving nearly 50 minutes before
Caledonian Isles, Saturn arrived at Ardrossan only a
short time before Caledonian Isles this morning.
Update: Due to
deteriorating Weather conditions the following sailings are
cancelled:
Saturn: 1330 ex Ardrossan, 1545 ex Brodick,
1830 ex Ardrossan tonight &
0715 ex Brodick tomorrow.
Caledonian Isles:
1920 ex Brodick tonight & 0700
ex Ardrossan tomorrow.
The service will resume with
the 0820 Sailing from Brodick tomorrow.
Gourock Dunoon:
The following sailings have
been cancelled:
Alicat:
1745 ex Gourock, 1815 ex Dunoon
Jupiter:
1920 ex Gourock, 1950 ex Dunoon
Jupiter
will commence the last sailing ex Gourock at 2018 and ex Dunoon at
2045.
Lochranza - Claonaig:
Sailings have been suspended.
Update: The 1825 ex Lochranza and the 1900 ex Claonaig have
been cancelled.
(check external link above for updates)
Loch Riddon was noted heading for Fairlie this evening
presumably to shelter from the wind.
Ex-Fleet:
As reported yesterday, Claymore is now in Dover and made her
first Dover - Dunkirk crossing last night with livestock. Her charter
is for 2-3 months by a farmer's co-operative. It is not currently known
who is manning her. Further updates to follow.
It also appears that Heidi (ex Caledonia) has been
raised from her sunken position in Naples.
Picture can be found on
Ship Nostalgia. (external link)
Meanwhile Waverley, back from the Bristol area, was lying
between Greenock and Helensburgh this morning waiting for Battler
to cant Mornes outside the JWD / Garvel this morning at 0715.
NorthLink:
Despite the weather conditions all NorthLink sailing appear to be
running as scheduled.
Hamnavoe departed
Scrabster at 1900 to arrive in Stromness at 2030.
Hjaltland departed Aberdeen at 1700 sailing for Hatston
and Lerwick. |
| |
|
| 19/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn started her additional sailings on timetable this morning,
leaving Brodick at 0715 and arriving at Ardrossan at 0830. On her
second run of the day, she departed Brodick leaving only a few vehicles
for the regular Caledonian Isles to clear.
Ex-Fleet:
Former CalMac fleet member Claymore of 1978
appears to have left her role as Orkney ferry and is currently
berthed at Dover undergoing inspection by the MCA. Apparently she is
now owned by Sea Containers once more. It was Sea Containers that
purchased her back in 1997 when she was first forced by the
government to leave CalMac (leaving the fleet without vital spare
tonnage in the process). |
Saturn @ Brodick Today
Claymore @ Dover Today
|
| |
|
| 18/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn is now resting at the Burns and Laird berth in Ardrossan
awaiting her start tomorrow on the 2nd Ardrossan - Brodick roster. She
is pictured (right) with regular Arran ferry Caledonian Isles on
the Ardrossan linkspan berth.
Update:
Saturn has now moved over to Brodick (Arran), and is awaiting
Caledonian Isles vacating the berth at 1920. She will presumably
start her roster from the island tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile Alicat has been enjoying the crowds at the Faslane
fare ferrying passengers around. |
Saturn @ Ardrossan Today
|
| |
|
| 17/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn pitched in with one last sailing Gourock - Dunoon at
1020 this morning before making for Ardrossan at 1600
this afternoon ready to take up her
summer roster on the Ardrossan - Brodick sailings. She left with
a couple of cars on board (presumably crew), facing aft. She is
currently due to commence these sailings on Monday and things look ok
for the planned start so far. Jupiter is back in
service at Gourock on the Gourock - Dunoon sailings after her
brief post-overhaul touch up.
Update: Saturn is now (1930) berthed at the Burns and
Laird berth in Ardrossan. |
Saturn Passing Cumbrae Today
|
| |
|
| 16/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn was noted heading very slowly past the Cloch
lighthouse at 1015 this morning. She was on her way to Gourock and took
over from Jupiter on the 1320 sailing from Gourock - Dunoon.
Jupiter is now berthed at HQ (Gourock, Wires) for final touches
to her overhaul which was cut short by Saturn's breakdown. Once
Jupiter is back in service, Saturn is estimated to head
down to Ardrossan on Sunday 18/06/06 to take up her summer roster as
2nd Arran vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route on Monday. |
| |
|
| 13/06/06 |
Clyde:
Due to essential ramp repairs Loch Alainn is being
taken out of service for around 4 hours tomorrow morning from 1000.
Loch Riddon will be sailing on a half-hourly timetable and
will then be rejoined by the larger vessel to give the full
timetable. For further updates, see the external link above. |
| |
|
| 12/06/06 |
Western
Isles:
Hebrides was delayed by nearly an hour this evening by
strong winds and was unable to depart Uig until 1855. |
| |
|
| 11/06/06 |
Western
Isles:
Clansman was noted berthed bow in (Starboard side to) at Castlebay
this morning. She usually berths Port to and loads via her stern. She
may have been testing her port side life boat in a lowering exercise
explaining her positioning. |
Clansman @ Castlebay Today
|
| |
|
| 10/06/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn is still experiencing technical problems with her engine. As
a result the Caledonian Isles is maintaining her usual route
alone as per usual until her smaller counter part joins her after
repairs. Caledonian Isles was running slightly late by 10 - 20
minuets at lunchtime today but by the afternoon had made up the time
and was back on schedule. |
CI @ Ardrossan Today
|
| |
|
| 09/06/06 |
Clyde:
It appears that Saturn will not be assisting the Caledonian
Isles today. As per the Fleet News on the 7th there was expected
heavy traffic for the Microsoft Challenge being
held on Arran. It is understood there were technical problems
with Saturn this morning and she is suffering with a cracked engine
casing. Vehicle and Passenger traffic has
been cleared on the 0700 sailing from Ardrossan and Caledonian Isles
sailed as per timetable at 0820 ex Brodick.
For the return journeys this evening,
the Microsoft Challenge organisers have split the the competitors over
the 1640 & the 1920. They intend to have 550 foot passengers travel on
the 1640 which would leave approximately 150 competitors on the 1920.
It is likely that there will even be some stragglers on the last
sailing tonight at 2140. |
| |
|
| 08/06/06 |
Western Isles:
It appears that Isle of Lewis is back on station after being
fumigated from the bug onboard. Lord of the Isles arrived back
in Oban this morning at 0830 after sailing directly from Uig overnight.
There is no sign of Raasay in Oban this morning which could
indicate that she left very early or made straight for Port Askaig last
night.
NorthLink:
Due
to adverse weather,
Hjaltland is not
expected to arrive at Kirkwall (Hatston) until 2340 this evening.
The onward departure to Lerwick is estimated to depart at
0015. Passenger and Car Check-in opens at 2100. Final Passenger and Car
Check-in is 2315.
(check external link above for updates) |
| |
|
| 07/06/06 |
Western Isles:
CalMac anticipates that Isle of
Lewis will resume a normal service at 0715 on Thursday 08/06/06
after fumigation. A temporary timetable is in operation today with
additional sailings on the Uig - Tarbert roster. There are NO
sailings today on the Ullapool - Stornoway roster. (see
yesterdays news for times and information).
Raasay was sighted
heading down Loch Linnhe passing Port Appin towards the Sound of Mull this afternoon.
She will either spend tonight at Oban or continue onto Islay before
making for the Clyde.
|
Clyde:
Busy sailings are expected on the Ardrossan - Brodick roster
during the Microsoft UK Challenge being held on Arran. The following
sailings are expected to be operating at full capacity with the
anticipated numbers of passengers travelling:
Friday 09/06/06
Ardrossan - Brodick 0700
Brodick - Ardrossan 1640
In particular, the 1640 Brodick - Ardrossan sailing - customers are
advised to travel earlier at 1350 if your journey is urgent to ensure
passage.
Although today's still hot - it appears the Loch Riddon's Crew
are still only as far as a large plastic cone towards the real thing,
it being first sighted on Monday... |
Loch Riddon's Cone
|
| |
|
| 06/06/06 |
(All the 6's Today!)
Western Isles:
Isle of Lewis is being withdrawn from service tomorrow
(Wednesday 07/06/06) due to sickness (Norovirus suspected but not
confirmed) affecting 8
of the crew. All Ullapool - Stornoway traffic will be diverted
to the Uig - Tarbert roster. Lord of the Isles is
currently en route from Oban to assist Hebrides with additional
traffic.
The following temporary timetable will operate:
Lord of the Isles will sail from Barra (0700) to Lochboisdale
then onto Uig (diverting from intended Oban) for 1200 to take up emergency
roster outlined.
0730 Tarbert - Uig normal scheduled sailing (Hebrides) Stornoway
- Ullapool traffic diverted onto this sailing.
1230 Uig - Tarbert additional sailing (Lord of the Isles)
1445 Tarbert - Uig additional sailing (Lord of the Isles)
1730 Uig - Tarbert additional sailing (Lord of the Isles)
Providing all is OK with Isle of Lewis, Lord of the Isles
will then sail light back to Oban at c1920.
Existing Ullapool-Stornoway bookings and tickets are being transferred
to these arrangements. It is planned that Isle of Lewis will
resume a normal service at 0715 on Thursday 08/06/06, subject to
cleansing being completed and no escalation in reported cases of the
illness. Connecting onward passenger coaches are being provided.
Updates to
follow. (check external link above for updates).
CalMac Press Realise on Service Changes (external link)
"Illness
strikes Stornoway Ferry" (external link)
Clyde:
Saturn is still berthed in JWD for repairs etc.
She will then head on Friday 09/06/06 to take up the Ardrossan -
Brodick 2nd Roster. Jupiter will then return to take over the
Gourock - Dunoon run.
|
Past Fleet / Historical:
An updated on the MacBraynes buses seen out and about recently in the
islands. The three buses seen on the Loch Bhrusda on Sunday were
attending the annual Rally of the MacBrayne Circle which was on South
Uist this year (four buses were actually in attendance, but only three
were involved in Sunday's trip to Barra.) Last year's Rally was
actually on Islay and involved a photo shoot at Port Askaig including
the Isle of Arran on which the buses had arrived. The buses'
presence on Islay was at least part of the reason why a bus was
requested for the Islay Feis which was, I understand, last weekend too.
The AEC Reliance (illustrated on 04/06/06) is owned by Laurence
Macduff who is a MacBrayne Circle member but was unable to
attend the Uist Rally opting instead to make Islay on Saturday. |
MacBraynes Bus on Barra
|
This bus featured in a recent article in the Scots Magazine. In reality
it worked between Glasgow and Campbeltown in MacBrayne days- it's
rather larger than the Bedfords used in Islay.
Contact details for the MacBrayne Circle coming soon. |
| |
|
| 05/06/06 |
Western Isles:
The 0830 sailing from Leverburgh - Berneray has been delayed
this morning. Loch Portain departed Berneray at 0720 but is
currently anchored mid-way across the sound due to dense fog.
Update 1005: It appears that the Loch
Portain has slightly made up her schedule time after the fog cleared up, she
departed Leverburgh at 1010 and due to arrive at Berneray 1110. The
1205 sailing from Leverburgh - Berneray was delayed until 1310.
Clyde:
Loch Riddon appears to have gained a summer addition sometime
today. A Large 99' Ice Cream Cone has been mounted on a pole at the
bow. THe reason behind it is unclear - perhaps a small joke by the
local crew for the hot summer days ahead - and some wishful thinking! |
Loch Riddon's Addition
|
| |
|
| 04/05/06 |
Western Isles:
Islay welcomed a preserved MacBraynes buses today on tour.
After her visit she boarded the Isle of Arran at Port Ellen by
reversing onto the vessel for there return trip to Kennacraig and the
mainland (reason for reversing currently unknown). MacBraynes buses
were once a very familiar sight in the Highlands and Islands. There
were also three sighted on Barra after using the Loch Bhrusda to
cross from Eriskay. |
MacBraynes Bus Today
|
| |
Terminals:
Surveyors have discovered that there are deficiencies in the
structure of the Victorian Pier at Dunoon which would need to be
addressed (at around £1m) to allow the pier to still be able to
handle heavy vehicles. As a result the leader of Argyll & Bute
Council has written to the Transport Minister asking that the matter be
rectified by allocating a suitable CalMac vessel to operate to and from
the new (end-loading) linkspan. He has not received a reply but CalMac
have made it clear that they have no vessel available, as both Bute
and Coruisk are occupied on their own dedicated routes - at
Wemyss Bay - Rothesay and Mallaig - Armadale respectively. |
| |
|
| 03/06/06 |
Clyde:
Jupiter was also noted back in service today after her extensive winter
lay-up. She undertook trials on the Clyde where she was noted around
the Tail of the Bank before heading to company HQ at Gourock. She later took her first commercial sailing
this evening at 2018 ex Gourock - Dunoon roster.
Both Loch Riddon and Loch Alainn were loading at Cumbrae
slip at the same time this evening. The reason being that the Loch
Alainn was delayed because a coach was stuck on her vehicle ramp.
The encounter was quite close as can be seen in the picture opposite.
Due to the Saturn being out of service, AliCat stepped in
to provide passenger only sailings for the day. As a result a Clyde
River Steamer Club Charter was cancelled.
Company News:
"Challenger to CalMac network may pull out of tender contest"
(external link) |
Jupiter on Trails Today
L. Alainn & L. Riddon Today
|
| |
|
| 31/05/06 |
Clyde:
Saturn appears to have joined the list of vessels
to be experiencing technical problems all of a sudden. She was noted
as being out of service this morning but we have had a report that
an attempt to sail was going to be made later in the morning. At
present there is no vehicle service from Gourock to Dunoon as
Jupiter is not yet ready to re-enter service.Saturn
has also been confirmed this morning as the summer back-up vessel on
the Ardrossan - Brodick route for 10 weeks, commencing 19th June.
Click
here for full details. It should be noted that this facility
will not be possible beyond 2006 because once Argyle enters
service (date now put back even further, to spring 2007) one of the
Streakers will be sold off and there may not be a vessel available
to carry out extra Arran runs.
Western Isles:
Coruisk is still out of service pending repairs so the
Mallaig - Armadale service is down to three return sailings, fitting
in around Lochnevis' scheduled sailings to the Small Isles.
See the external link above for updates and contact details for
Mallaig and Armadale port offices. |
| |
|
Past News Logs: |
| Click
HERE to see the past fleet news logs |
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