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| December 2005 news HMS OCEON made a surprise visit to the Island of Colonsay recently. Her Captain, Tony Johnstone-Burt, has been to the island on holiday with his family on many occasions.
Captain Johnstone-Burt had a twelve-hour window during an exercise off the west coast. This exercise will be his last time in command of OCEON so he was pleased to have found the time to make the stopover.
The 100 islanders were out-numbered by the 200 naval personnel who were able to come ashore. A group of 30 islanders, including the primary school children, were invited on board for a tour of the ship.
HMS OCEON was built at Govan on the Clyde. Her armaments were fitted at Barrow-in-Furness. She is 22,500 tonnes and employed as a helicopter assault ship. Her main role is to carry an Embarked Military Force supported by twelve medium support helicopters, six attack helicopters and four landing craft.
A weight limit of 38 tonnes is in operation on the Fishnish – Lochaline service until Friday 23rd December. This is due to the ISLE OF CUMBRAE deputising for LOCH FYNE, which is away for overhaul.
An advance copy of the WAVERLEY timetable 2006 has been published. She will be sailing among the Western Isles between Friday 28th April, when she leaves Glasgow, and Tuesday 2nd May, when she arrives at Ayr.
The final copy of the timetable will be available from February.
A new ferry terminal for Raasey will be built at Churchton Bay at a cost of £7 million. The development will consist of a breakwater, ferry berthing facilities and a new slipway.
Churchton Bay was the preferred option of six sites.
The Scottish Executive is contributing £4.75 million and Highland Council £2.25 million.
Club Members enjoyed an excellent day out on a cruise organised by Iain Quinn yesterday (3/12). After leaving Greenock on board CRUISER, we headed across to Helensburgh then Rosneath and up Loch Long calling at Blairmore on the way.
A full report on the cruise appears on the “Other Activities” page on this Website.
4/12/05.
LOCH FYNE and LOCH ALINN entered the Garvel dry dock today (05/12). LOCH TARBERT has moved from the lay-up berth at Roseneath and is now at Largs.
LOCH LINNHE has taken over from LOCH STRIVEN at Sconser. She is on her way to the Clyde for overhaul.
CALEDONIAN ISLES will be in Aberdeen at the beginning of January for her overhaul. CLANSMAN will, as usual, be deputising for her.
Many thanks to Ian McCrorie for the information.
05/12/05.
Further to the report posted on 8th October regarding Councillor Ian Gillies’s proposal that fuel tankers travel free on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, Councillor Gillies has received a reply from the Minister for Transport Tavish Scott.
The Minister’s reply is posted below.
Dear Councillor Gillies,
Thank you for your email of 16th September about your proposal to reduce the cost of fuel supplies to the islanders living on the west coast islands of Scotland.
I am very aware of the additional cost that islanders have to pay for their fuel supplies and I share your concerns about the effect that the current escalation in fuel prices has been having on island communities. You suggest that the Executive could easily reduce the burden on islanders by allowing fuel tankers to travel free on Caledonian MacBrayne’s (CalMac) ferries
You note that there could be State aid difficulties with your proposal. This is, indeed, the case, as the additional subsidy that would be involved would have to be the subject of a notification to the European Commission. We think that it might be possible to run an argument that the aid could qualify under the general de minimis rule operated by the Commission. Under this rule, payments of aid to businesses are legitimate provided that they do not exceed 100,000 euros over a three-year period. However, there is a catch to this as the 100,000 euros figure relates to all the aid received from any source and it is conceivable that beneficiaries under your proposal would already be in receipt of aid from other sources.
Should the amount of aggregate aid paid to a business turn out to be in excess of 100,000 euros, all the aid paid, not just the excess over 100,000 euros, would have to be clawed back. This could clearly cause difficulties for those hoping to benefit from any fuel price initiative. This would require any new initiative to be very closely monitored to ensure that this outcome did not emerge. A corollary of this is that some intended beneficiaries might have to be excluded from the arrangements (if they had already consumed their de minimis allowance of aid). We do not, therefore, think that a scheme founded on the de minimis rule would necessarily achieve the outcome you have in mind. In addition, we are sceptical about the prospects of securing European Commission approval at present given the conclusions they have drawn about the compatibility of the general CalMac subsidy arrangements with European law.
These difficulties would not arise with an approach that specified, in the service specification for a tendering exercise, lower (or zero) tariffs for fuel tankers. This is not the approach we have proposed to date but I am prepared to consider this issue as we finalise the specification for the Clyde and Hebrides tendering exercise. There are still some potential difficulties. Measures would have to be put in place to ensure that the tariff reduction was reflected in a lower price of fuel for the end user and not siphoned off by those involved at different stages of the distribution system. Such measures, which might have to involve some contractual relationship with those in the haulage/distribution chain, would have to recognise that fuel price differentials can arise for a variety of reasons apart from transport costs. However, as I have said, I am willing to look at this issue before we finalise the service specification.
I acknowledge that this approach does not offer any immediate comfort on the fuel price issue. However, I do not think that an immediate solution is possible, given the State aid constraints and I will look seriously at the longer-term possibilities.
I hope this is of some assistance.
With best wishes,
TAVISH SCOTT.
Many thanks to Councillor Ian Gillies for the information. Councillor Gillies sits on Argyll and Bute Council.
07/12/05.
ISLE OF MULL departed from Birkenhead at 1930 tonight (10/12) and will sail straight to Oban.
Many thanks to Iain McPherson for the information.
Caledonian MacBrayne has been criticised by a resident of Tiree for failing to provide cheaper Christmas shopper fares to Oban.
CalMac replied by stating that reduced fares leading up to Christmas depended upon the existing economics of each route and were decided on by the regional managers. The Company are reducing fares on certain days but only if it brings in extra business that they would not normally have.
The price of a return trip from Tiree to Oban for a car and two passengers will be reduced from £138 to £95 travelling on December 15th and returning on December 20th and also on December 17th returning on December 22nd. Fare reductions are also operating on certain days from Barra, Uist and Colonsay.
NEPTUNES LADY, the former Caledonian Canal cruise vessel, has been taken away from the Euro Yachts berth at Windmillcroft Quay, Glasgow. This writer first came across her at Banavie at the south end of the Canal in the mid eighties.
Does anyone know where she is and what has become of her?
10/12/05.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has responded to a letter from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Vice Convenor, who had raised concerns about the perceived performance of the Stornoway to Ullapool freight vessel MV Muirneag.
In his letter to Angus Campbell, CalMac Chairman Dr Harold Mills confirms that the Company has completed an internal inquiry into a recent specific incident which attracted some media attention, and that there are no other enquiries taking place into what happened. Dr Mills also confirms that the Company retains full confidence in the seamanship and professionalism of the crew of MV Muirneag and compliments the crew on their handling of the November 11 incident, which took place in wholly exceptional weather.
The full text of Dr Mills’ letter is as follows:
I can fully appreciate that, following the media coverage of the recent stormy weather and the way MV Mùirneag coped in the exceptional circumstances that prevailed on November 11th there might be concerns. However, I would ask that these be kept in proportion and treated with some caution.
For the record, it is important that it be established that the seamanship of the Master and crew in question on the occasion referred to is not in doubt. A full examination of what happened has shown that all their decisions were made in the best interests of their crew and passengers and also the freight under their care.
I can confirm to you that while the ship may well have been "off course" there were very good reasons for her being where she was, in terms of the Master taking the best possible course of action to evade the worst of the weather.
Furthermore, it is important that you appreciate that at no time was the vessel out of control or beyond the safe transit of all on board. Indeed, her eventual arrival in Stornoway is testament to the skill and expertise of all her officers and crew.
It should also be noted that MV Isle of Lewis was caught up in the same storm that delayed MV Mùirneag, and spent a considerable number of hours at sea, in excess of her normal time, while the storm abated. This has been largely overlooked in the media coverage but it is an important point, highlighting as it does the sudden and severe nature of the storm, which overtook both vessels. MV Isle of Lewis sailed 45 minutes after and MV Mùirneag, and both Masters were operating with the same weather forecast information.
I would prefer for obvious reasons not to discuss the actual damage done to vehicles etc, as this is a matter for resolution between the Company and the respective hauliers. This process is now well under way and is being conducted in an orderly and amicable fashion.
With regard to your general comments about the performance of MV Mùirneag, the Company is on record as having stated on several occasions that the perception of her performance does not in fact accord with the reality. The reliability of MV Mùirneag currently stands at 95.3 per cent since 1st April. I would suggest that given the nature of the ship’s route, and the fact that she sails at night-time, this is a very good record.
It is also worth noting, and we have stated this previously on numerous occasions, that the market for this type of ship is very limited at this time, and this has been the case for the last few years. There simply are no other ships available, which Caledonian MacBrayne could charter, and those which are, are quite clearly not suitable.
In conclusion, I can assure you that the experiences of MV Isle of Lewis and MV Mùirneag were thoroughly investigated. Lessons are always learned in such circumstances and the Company has taken on board suggestions made as a result of their enquiries. You will wish to note that the MCA are not undertaking a further investigation into the sailing on 11th November.
Caledonian MacBrayne will continue to work with all the relevant agencies involved to ensure the best possible service within our resources. The Managing Director is in the process of engaging further with hauliers and the business community to inform them of our position and I hope that my explanation of the circumstances will help."
CalMac has also confirmed that meetings between the Managing Director and local hauliers in Stornoway are being held this week to discuss services to and from the Islands.
13/12/05.
The Joint Meeting with the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society took place on Friday 16th with the PSPS hosting the evening this year. The theme they chose was “Members Night”.
Deryk Docherty chaired the Meeting in the absence of Stuart Cameron, PSPS Scottish Branch President.
Alistair Black, Michael Hughan, Gavin Stewart, Alistair Deayton, Jim Cleary and Peter Reid represented the PSPS.
Robin Love, Duncan Wilson, Eric Schofield, Andy McCombe, Ian Somerville, Iain Quinn and Hamish Stewart represented the WHSC.
The evening produced a wide range of subjects using both slide and powerpoint projectors. Subjects ranged from the QE2 to David MacBrayne and Caledonian MacBrayne. Blairmore Pier was prominent among the presentations as was WAVERLEY and MAID OF THE LOCH. The ships portrayed included everything from MacBrayne’s magnificent paddler COLUMBA right up to the present day.
Of particular note was Alistair Black’s powerpoint presentation describing how the slipway at Balloch had been dismantled, repaired and rebuilt in order to haul the MAID OF THE LOCH out of the water.
Representatives from both Clubs spent a lot of time preparing their presentations, and in doing so, made the evening very special for all those present. As the theme suggests the Members Night had something for everyone.
QE2 and WAVERLEY are two of the world’s most recognisable ships and tonight we saw why.
WHSC President, Duncan Wilson, gave the vote of thanks.
Joe McKendrick set up a stall selling PSPS merchandise while Robin Love was selling WHSC Calendars, price £4.50, £5.00 if ordered by post.
The WHSC Newsletter is now available. Edited by Ian Colquhoun, it is up to the usual high standard. Unfortunately the printer has missed the credits, normally included at the end of the Newsletter. Apologies to all those who contributed news items and photographs. Members will notice that the ships are in alphabetical order, rather than the big ships first followed by the small ships.
An extract from the Newsletter featuring ISLE OF MULL has been posted on the “Newsletter” page on this Website.
The next Meeting of the PSPS takes place on Friday 20th January. The subject is “Thirty Years of WSN” and the speaker is Iain MacLeod.
The next Meeting of the WHSC takes place on Friday 27th January when the speaker will be Iain Quinn. Iain’s subject is “Cruising out of Oban”.
Caledonian MacBrayne advise their customers that the following service will operate on the Sound of Barra on Boxing Day.
Depart Barra 0830 arriving at Eriskay at 0910. Depart Eriskay 0920 arriving at Barra 1000. This is not an additional sailing but replaces the existing timetable.
The former Eigg flit boat LAIG BAY has been sold, pending payment, to Oban interests.
17/12/05.
Caledonian MacBrayne is to write to Highland Council as the Harbour Authority after the illegal dumping of fishing gear and debris at Uig Pier disrupted the service between Uig and Tarbert/Lochmaddy.
On the morning of Monday 19th, when berthing at Uig, HEBRIDES picked up the dumped gear, which caused serious disruption to the ferry service. It was lucky that the ship did not require expensive repairs in a dry-dock. The material could have been washed in from the sea, but in this case it was obviously weighted down.
HEBRIDES had to operate on one engine due to the fouling of the propeller. Divers checked the ship for damage at Lochmaddy. They discovered a large ball like mass attached to the port propeller, which had to be cut away in an operation lasting two hours. Ropes were also cut away from the starboard propeller.
CalMac have made it clear that this disruption was totally beyond their control and have apologised to their customers who were inconvenienced by this potentially serious incident.
LORD OF THE ISLES has been berthing overnight at Craignure to allow CLANSMAN and ISLE OF MULL to berth in Oban. On Monday 19th took up the sailings on behalf of ISLE OF MULL. She was out of service for unknown reasons on that day.
LOCH STRIVEN ran trials on Tuesday 20th before leaving the Clyde for Sconser on Wednesday. She berthed at Rothesay on Tuesday night.
The Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree lifeboats were called out on Tuesday night at 2200 after the master of the tanker BLACKFRIARS contacted Stornoway Coastguard to tell them that the ship was in difficulties at Eileanan Dubha opposite Kyle naval base. The Coastguard tug ANGLIAN PRINCE was also in attendance.
This oil tanker ran aground almost six years ago to the day in Wales.
The 1,570 tonne ship was in ballast after sailing to Lochinver where she delivered a cargo of fuel oil for fishing boats. She was heading south to Pembroke Dock in Wales with eight crew on board. She was refloated at 0920 on Wednesday whereupon some damage was found.
BLACKFRIARS anchored in Balmacara Bay where an inspection will be carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The ship is owned by Cresent Marine Services.
LOCH FYNE left the Clyde on Wednesday 23rd bound for the Sound of Mull where she will resume her roster on the Fishnish – Lochaline service.
Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that George Leslie Ltd Civil Engineering and Building Contractors of Barrhead, Glasgow has been awarded the contract for building the first phase of the new second linkspan at Oban.
The second linkspan was the subject of a Public Enquiry in February 2005. As a result of the Enquiry, CalMac was given the go-ahead to proceed with the work. Phase one of the contract, which will cost £1.3 million, will begin in January 9th 2006 with a completion date in April.
Ach Henderson LLP, designers and project managers on behalf of CalMac will supervise the work.
It is now apparent that the contest to run the Clyde and Hebridean ferries has been narrowed down to just three contenders.
After whittling down the original seventeen contenders only three remain. They are believed to be Caledonian MacBrayne, Western Ferries and V Ships.
The winner will run the services from 2007. The Gourock – Dunoon service is being tendered separately since CalMac and Western Ferries already compete on that route.
V Ships is one of the world’s biggest ship management companies, servicing over 600 vessels. It has about 22,500 sea staff and employs another 1,100 people in 26 countries.
HEBRIDEAN ISLES was out of service on Friday 23rd due to engine problems. Foot passengers were taken by bus to Oban where they boarded LORD OF THE ISLES. She then sailed to Port Askaig. Normal service is expected to resume today (24/12).
24/12/05.
A Merry Christmas to all friends and Members of The West Highland Steamer Club.
Many thanks to everybody who has contributed to, and assisted with the running of this Website during the year 2005.
25/12/05.
Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that it is continuing the formal 90-day consultation process with employees about the establishment of an offshore subsidiary company by detailing the proposed course of action. The consultation period is due to conclude in January.
CalMac proposes to transfer all sea-going staff to a wholly owned subsidiary company called Caledonian MacBrayne Crewing Limited, which will be based in Guernsey.
All shore-based staff in the Human Resources, Fleet Operations and Payroll departments will be transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary company called Caledonian MacBrayne HR (UK) Limited. This company will be based in the existing building at Gourock
CalMac proposes to enter into an agreement between the Company and Clyde Marine Offshore Ltd, which is part of the Glasgow based Clyde Group. Clyde Marine Offshore was formed in 2000 to provide offshore payroll services to the UK marine market and is a joint venture company with the Trident Group. Having established this agreement, the new company would then be known as CalMac Crewing (Guernsey) Ltd.
CalMac will continue to own and operate all the vessels in the Fleet under these proposed arrangements.
On Tuesday 27th LORD OF THE ISLES carried out the 0800 sailing from Oban to Craignure in place of ISLE OF MULL.
The Fishnish – Lochaline service was cancelled on Wednesday 28th due to technical problems.
LOCH STRIVEN is back at Sconser allowing LOCH LINNHE to sail to Tayinloan where she relieved LOCH RANZA. She is presently at Fairlie waiting her turn for overhaul.
The 1230 sailing ex Ardmhor and the 1410 ex Eriskay were cancelled on Thursday 29th due to weather conditions.
Due to high volumes of traffic there will be an additional service between Craignure and Oban on Monday 2nd January departing at 1100.
On Wednesday 4th January the 1200 service between Oban and Colonsay has been revised to departing from Oban at 1200 with an arrival time of 1420. Departure time from Colonsay will be 1520 arriving in Oban at 1740.
Duncan Wilson 31st December 2005.
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Contact WHSC: info@westhighlandsteamerclub.co.uk