History - On This Day
On this day in company history...
Select a month below to show our selected events that occurred on the date in question.
1
December
In 2006 Stormy weather meant that Tayinloan slipwaywas rendered unusable. As a result, Loch Ranza operated a limited service between Gigha and Kennacraig. Passenger numbers were limited to 12, with bookings being essential.
Sailings were timetabled as follows:
Depart Gigha: 0835, 1145, 1500
Depart Kennacraig: 1015, 1330, 1630
3
August
In 2009 Isle of Cumbrae's suffered a bit of a technical problem. Loch Riddon was sent from Largs early this morning in order to step in and keep the cross-Fyne link open. Her Noisiness the Loch Bhrusda was then sent down from Gourock to Largs and took up the secondary Cumbrae roster from 1330, partnering Loch Shira.
2
July
In 1981 Jupiter was caught up in a political storm. The new Conservative government had no natural love for State-subsidised transport. On that day the Secretary of State for Scotland, George Younger, decreed that henceforth he was withdrawing all subsidy for Caledonian MacBrayne's Gourock-Dunoon crossing and, instead, the Scottish Office would lend a helping hand to Western Ferries (properly known as Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd.) They would be granted £300,000 to obtain an additional car and passenger ferry if, in addition, the private concern would deploy their much-publicised passenger-only hydrofoil Highland Seabird for direct Gourock-Dunoon commuter runs. After two weeks recovering from this shock, Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd had no portion but to announce their full withdrawal of a Gourock-Dunoon ferry service from 17th October 1981.
3
November
In 2006 Juno took over the Gourock - Dunoon service for today only, while her sisters Jupiter and Saturn lay at the wires. Jupiter was having maintenance today and will return to service tomorrow, while Saturn was laid up spare. The photo opposite was taken this morning and marks what will probably be one of the final times that we will see all three Streakers together.
3
April
In 2006 CalMac’s Chairman, Dr Harold Mills confirmed the name of the new vessel to serve Rothesay. He said: “the name Argyle is singularly appropriate for the new Wemyss Bay - Rothesay ferry. It is important for safety reasons that the name is not held by any other vessel and Argyle, with the old spelling, fits the bill. MV Argyle will be the seventh vessel to bear the name. The best known of all the Clyde paddle steamers named Argyle was actually the successor to the first Bute on the service from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, as well as to Innellan, Largs and Millport. Coincidentally, the seventh Argyle will be the sister ship of the seventh Bute”.