Argyle and Bute off Wemyss Bay on 7 November 2022, the day the latter ferry returned to service on the Rothesay run after annual overhaul
The latest edition of Scottish Ferry News covers all known movements by members of the CalMac fleet in the final two months of 2022. It is available here.
John Newth, compiler of CRSC’s Ferry News
Meticulously compiled by John Newth, Scottish Ferry News is available only to paid-up CRSC members.
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.
The new edition of CRSC’s Scottish Ferry News documents the relief duty of Hebridean Isles and Isle of Arran at Stornoway to cover the freight service to Ullapool, and the visits for overhaul of Isle of Mull to Aberdeen, Argyle to Greenock, Catriona to Troon, and Loch Seaforth and Lord of the Isles to Birkenhead.
The steelwork problems and weather-related travails of the latter ship after her return to Oban on 8 December are equally well documented.
The Ferry News update confirms the continuing reliability of Loch Frisa on the Craignure-Oban service: only two crossings had to be cancelled during the two-month period, one of them weather-related.
Ferry News also includes a fascinating ‘distribution of vessels’ list as of 31 December 2022, showing the whereabouts of every significant ship in our sphere of interest at the end of the year — including those sailing under the flags of P&O Irish Sea, Stena Line and Serco NorthLink.
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 have not yet paid your 2022-23 subscription, please do so now. If you are having problems with your password, email info@crsc.org.uk
Click here for CalMac service status and timetables.
Nearing the end of her 2022 season, the cruise ship Hebridean Princess (formerly MacBraynes’ car ferry Columba) was pictured at Largs on 3 November
James Watt Dock, Greenock, 22 December: Sound of Shuna (which escaped to Kilmun before the 25th), Coruisk, Loch Alainn and Hebridean Princess
Amid all the comings-and-goings of serving members of the CalMac fleet during the last two months of the year, Glen Sannox remained firmly rooted to the spot at Port Glasgow
Thanks to Walter Bowie and Andrew Clark for photographs.
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.
Published on 5 January 2023