Clansman passes Greenock en route to King George V Dock on 22 February 2023, observed from James Watt Dock by Isle of Lewis (left) and Caledonian Isles (right foreground) — and by Glen Sannox (centre) in Garvel Dry Dock
The latest edition of Scottish Ferry News covers all known movements by members of the CalMac fleet in the first two months of 2023. It is available here.
It is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts wishing to track where vessels have been, what overhauls took place and which routes were affected by weather disruptions and vessel substitutions.
If you wish to read this authoritative update on Clyde and West Highland ferry movements, and have not yet joined CRSC (introductory membership for the first year with full benefits: £10), click here.
Clansman (right) in King George V Dock, Govan, on 22 February 2023, with Ambition on the left foreground
The new edition of CRSC’s Scottish Ferry News documents the travails of two CalMac workhorses — Caledonian Isles’ long sojourn at James Watt Dock, Greenock (out of service since 6 January), and Clansman’s first visit to King George V Dock, Govan (22 January), almost immediately after returning from overhaul on the Mersey and still not back in service at the end of February.
The January/February period saw overhauls on the Clyde for Argyll Flyer, Loch Bhrusda, Loch Fyne, Loch Shira and Isle of Lewis (including her visits to King George V Dock and Troon), as well as Hebridean Isles’ spells at Troon and Ayr, and numerous weather-related service disruptions for Loch Seaforth — dates for all of which are recorded in Ferry News.
Also noteworthy was the arrival of Arrow from Larne on 15 January, chartered for the Stornoway-Ullapool freight run but not commencing service until a full month later.
Another significant charter was that of Islander, from Oban Sea Tours, which filled in on the Tobermory-Kilchoan service for a few days in the last week of January — taking over from Loch Riddon, which then spent four weeks on the Oban-Lismore service (deputising for Loch Striven).
Isle of Mull and Lord of the Isles have the longest entries in this edition of Ferry News, due to their tireless service to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The trouble-free entries for Loch Buie and Loch Frisa are notable, the latter operating the Oban-Craignure service on her own for all but three days in the January-February period.
Plus plenty more valuable info.
CRSC is proud of the role it plays for all ship enthusiasts, but its primary responsibility is to paid-up Club members. If you are not yet a member, please take advantage of our £10 introductory membership offer here. If you are a member and are having problems with your password, email info@crsc.org.uk
Click here for CalMac service status and timetables.
Have you joined CRSC? If not, you’re missing out! We are a group of ship enthusiasts with an active programme of excursions, talks, publications, internet presentations and much else. Sign up here and take advantage of all the benefits.
Shift change for CalMac staff at Largs on 23 January 2023, with Catriona (centre) temporarily out of service and Isle of Cumbrae (right foreground) returning to the Cumbrae Slip run on which she made her debut 46 years ago
Loch Fyne, Isle of Lewis and Caledonian Isles at Dales Marine, Greenock, on 22 February 2023
Another view of two CalMac workhorses receiving attention at James Watt Dock, Greenock, on 22 February, with Hebridean Princess in the distance
Thanks to Allan Smith, Walter Bowie and Andrew Clark for photographs.
Published on 19 March 2023