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 FLEET
HISTORIES
 Main
The Fleet
Loch Ranza
History
LOCH
RANZA’s history goes back to the early 1980s when the order for four new
drive-through ferries was placed with Dunston’s of Hessle on the Humber. For
years previously a number of routes had seen traffic levels build up steadily
and were now at the point where the small ferries that were used could no longer
cope with demand. Prime examples of this were the Largs – Cumbrae Slip,
Lochranza – Claonaig, Colintraive – Rhubodach and Fishnish – Lochaline
routes.
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The
new ferries were modified versions of the ISLE OF CUMBRAE, at that time
operating the Cumbrae route on her own. Their overall size was roughly the same
as the 1977-built vessel, however their car decks were only wide enough to take
two lanes of vehicles as opposed to three. The space that would have been
allocated for the third vehicle lane, on the port side of the ships was actually
given over to a second passenger lounge in addition to that on the starboard
side. This modification reduced car capacity to 12 but increased passenger
capacity to around 200. |
LOCH RANZA Arriving at the Terminal Which
She Shares Her Name in 1987
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As with the ISLE OF CUMBRAE, the new ferries received
Voith Schneider propulsion units fore and aft which meant they could manoeuvre
around the tightest turns and berth with ease at their given slipways. The
newbuilds were also more aesthetically pleasing when they emerged in 1986 and
1987. They had no funnels as such so their wheelhouses were painted red and
given a black top. The lion emblem was added to either side of the wheelhouse
and the mainmast rose at an angle above it.
The
first three of the new ferries had been named LOCH STRIVEN, LOCH LINNHE and LOCH
RIDDON respectively. The fourth and final one put in an appearance in early 1987
when she replaced the RHUM on the 30 minute crossing from Lochranza on Arran to
Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula. Her arrival brought the completion of that
particular phase of improvements on the routes operated by smaller members of
the fleet. The Lochranza route was the fifth to be upgraded in twelve months, in
terms of vehicle and passenger capacity.
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The LOCH RANZA has led
a far more sheltered existence than her counterparts. She spent five seasons on
the summer only crossing of the Kilbrannan Sound with a little bit of relief
work in the winters on other routes such as Fionnphort – Iona and Fishnish –
Lochaline. Overhauls were usually carried out at Ardmaleish on Bute in the quiet
season before she returned to service in March or April, depending when the
summer timetable started. |
LOCH RANZA at Gigha Slipway
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As with many other
routes in the network, the demand for this secondary crossing grew as the 1980s
were left behind. After only 5 years in charge of the Lochranza crossing a new
and larger ferry was introduced. The new arrival had a capacity for 18 cars –
basically a more modern version of the ISLE OF CUMBRAE. The LOCH TARBERT entered
service in July 1992, at which point the LOCH RANZA moved away for a new role.
She had been promised to the people of Gigha when her replacement was announced
and she duly took up service on the 20 minute sailing from Tayinloan on the
mainland.
The LOCH RANZA’s
history is almost complete. She has remained on that one route for the last 13
years, barring her annual overhauls when she is relieved by usually the LOCH
LINNHE in January. With Gigha not really being a major tourist destination is
seems unlikely that a larger ferry will be needed therefore it seems logical
that LOCH RANZA will stay at Gigha for a while yet.
 Text Thanks To Ships
of CalMac
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