Separated by almost ten years in terms of entry into service, the two most recent large vessels built for the CalMac fleet are seen together at Stornoway – Loch Seaforth departing for Ullapool and Glen Sannox recently arrived from the Clyde for berthing trials in the Western Isles
The latest edition of Scottish Ferry News covers movements by members of the CalMac fleet in Janauary and February 2025.
Scottish Ferry News is available here. Like previous editions, it is available only to paid-up CRSC members.
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: £15), click here.
If you are already a member but have not yet renewed your subscription for 2025-26, please do so now by clicking here.
Scottish Ferry News is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and professionals who wish to track where vessels have been, what overhauls took place and which routes were affected by weather disruptions and vessel substitutions.
We are grateful to John Newth, compiler of Scottish Ferry News, for detailing two months that found CalMac coping as best it could with continuing fleet absences as well as some weather conditions that included the network wide cancellation of all sailings on Friday 24 January.
Saturday 8 February, and Loch Fyne is seen at Largs on her last day of service to Cumbrae Slip, with Loch Shira newly returned from overhaul at Troon
Refits and annual surveys continue apace, with Clansman heading to Birkenhead in January, and Isle of Lewis to Aberdeen the following month. Many smaller vessels also moved to repair yards for their overhauls: Loch Ranza, Chieftain and Isle of Cumbrae all went to the yard at Ardmaleish on Bute, Loch Bhrusda, Loch Shira and Loch Fyne to Dales at Troon, while Loch Portain went to their facility at Greenock.
The peregrinations of relief vessels are also chronicled, as well as details of the plethora of smaller vessels hired in to provide cover where necessary.
The above details are just a sample. There is a lot of fascinating information in Scottish Ferry News, laid out clearly and precisely — all of it awaiting your inspection and dissection.
Isle of Arran and Loch Frisa – two Mull service stalwarts seen together at Craignure on Saturday 15 February
Seen on a rare visit to the James Watt Dock on Tuesday 25 February, Chieftain prepares for a return to service as Caledonian Isles continues with her protracted repairs in the adjacent Garvel Dry Dock
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Published on 24 April 2025