Loch Shira entering the Garvel Dry Dock for emergency repairs after she ‘made contact with the seabed’ at Largs on Monday 11 October 2021
This edition of Scottish Ferry News covers all known movements by members of the CalMac fleet between 1 October and 15 November 2021. It is available here.
Meticulously compiled by John Newth, Scottish Ferry News is available only to paid-up CRSC members. It amounts to an invaluable resource for enthusiasts wishing to track where vessels have been, what overhauls have taken place and which routes have been affected by weather disruptions and service alterations.
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.
The main developments covered by the new update are the 11 October grounding of Loch Shira at Largs (followed by emergency dry-docking at Greenock) and the 15 November arrival in Scottish waters of the Turkish-built ferry Utne, which made an unexpected first ‘landing’ at Rosyth after being unable to dock at Leith due to a lock gate problem.
Scottish Ferry News also documents Hebridean Isles’ travails on the Stornoway freight service, the start of Isle of Mull’s peripatetic work as winter relief boat, the 9 November departure of the hard-worked Lord of the Isles to Birkenhead for annual survey, the long-awaited return to service of Argyll Flyer, and the resumption of Caledonian Isles’ weather-affected diversions to Gourock, following the recent replacement of the linkspan there.
A cursory study of the update also reveals the remarkable versatility and geographical range of the ‘Loch’ class ferries: Loch Riddon alone had spells at Cumbrae Slip, Kilchoan and Lochaline, as well as visiting Craighouse, Kennacraig and Sandbank.
Plus plenty more.
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.
Click here for CalMac service status and timetables.
On Tuesday 12 October Loch Dunvegan was moved from James Watt Dock to the adjacent Garvel Dry Dock to continue her annual overhaul. The move was made under tow as, that very morning, her original engines had been removed as part of her refit, which included the fitting of new Volvo D13 engines
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Published on 22 November 2021