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| February 2007 news The paddle steamer PIONEER (II) was launched from A & J Inglis, Glasgow in February 1905 and ran trials on 25th March achieving a speed of 14 knots.
She was the second last paddler to be built for the MacBrayne fleet, the last being MOUNTAINEER (III) 1910.
In April PIONEER entered service on the Islay run, taking the place of GLENCOE, a route on which she remained until 1939. It is unknown if she worked elsewhere, however photographic evidence suggests that she was in the Mallaig area in 1907. PIONEER had a more modern appearance than her predecessors being plated up to the bow. Her paddle boxes did not project above the promenade deck. The paddles were smaller but running at high revolutions. The single funnel was positioned well forward with the bridge abaft it. The engines were diagonal compound with power supplied by a hatstack boiler.
PIONEER became a capable and reliable member of the fleet, faithfully serving Islay and Jura. Port Ellen was her destination four days a week and Port Askaig the other two. After the First World War, she sailed to each alternately but always spent the weekends at Port Ellen. She called at Craighouse, Jura, on her way to Port Askaig and at Gigha when sailing to Port Ellen. On occasions she also sailed to Bruichladdich.
The only alteration made to PIONEER was the substitution of the MacBrayne paddle box fan vents for the horizontal type. She was the only vessel to sail with the non standard type for any length of time.
In 1939 PIONEER was succeeded on the Islay route by the new motor ship, LOCHEIL. After being employed on summer excursion work from Oban she returned briefly to West Loch Tarbert as the Pier was being rebuilt for the LOCHEIL. She relieved on the Portree route in 1940 and in 1941 – 2, carried out cattle ferrying duties when relieving on the Sound of Mull run.
Following a period of lay-up she was requisition by the Admiralty and stationed at Fairlie where she was used as the Headquarters of the submarine control for the North Atlantic. The paddler was then fitted out as a research ship under the Director of Submarine Warfare in connection with under-water telephone work. Having much valuable equipment on board, she was purchased outright in 1945 and renamed HARBINGER. In January 1946 she returned to Ingles, the yard in which she was built, where her paddle wheels were removed to aid towage to Portland Harbour. Here she remained for just over eleven years being used as a floating laboratory. On 8th March 1958, after a lifespan of fifty-eight years, HARBINGER ex PIONEER (II) was towed to Rotterdam for scrapping.
PIONEER (II) is pictured on the July page of the 2007 Club Calendar at West Loch Tarbert. Photograph courtesy of I Woodward.
Source: Duckworth and Langmuir-West Highland Steamers.
LOCH ALAINN departed for the Clyde at 0600 on Friday 2nd after successfully completing trials on the Sound of Barra route. She deployed her ramps at both terminals while the regular vessel on the route, LOCH BHRUSDA, carried on with the scheduled service. She arrived back at Largs on Saturday after an over-night stop.
LOCH LINNHE has been covering for LOCH BUIE on the Fionnphort – Iona route. She has been away for engine repairs. LOCH LINNHE was moored at Craignure on Friday 2nd.
LOCH TARBERT is at Rothesay having completed her overhaul at Ardmaleish.
Source: Ships of CalMac. www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk
Despite pressure on Caledonian MacBrayne from Islay’s haulage firms, hopes that some temporary means could be found to allow ferries to berth at Port Askaig have been dashed.
CalMac’s operations director, Phil Preston, visited Port Askaig to view the linkspan and current works, and it was decided that there was no possibility of even a temporary solution.
All ferry sailings will continue to depart and arrive at Port Ellen until March 30th this year.
Source: The Oban Times.
04/02/07.
Due to Tidal Restrictions on the Sound of Harris route the following sailings are cancelled.
Sunday 18th February
Depart Berneray 1330 Depart Leverburgh 1440
Monday - Wednesday 19th-21st February inclusive
Depart Berneray 1430 Depart Leverburgh 1540
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne www.calmac.co.uk
05/02/07.
ISLE OF CUMBRAE is on the Lochaline – Fishnish route allowing LOCH FYNE away for overhaul. She arrived at Largs this afternoon (06/02) to offload crew cars before sailing to Gourock.
LOCH TARBERT left Rothesay this morning bound for Oban from where she will sail to Barra to allow LOCH BHRUSDA away for her overhaul.
LOCH LINNHE is still at Craignure.
Source: Ships of CalMac.
06/02/07.
LOCH LINNHE is working in tandem with ISLE OF CUMBRAE on the Fishnish – Lochaline route, as the smaller vessel can’t carry the same amount of traffic as LOCH FYNE, which is away for overhaul at the moment.
Source: Ships of CalMac.
Caledonian MacBrayne is proposing to launch an application to become a harbour authority under the title of “Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Lochaline) Harbour Empowerment Order”.
The application to establish a harbour authority has already drawn protests from local boat owners. If granted by the Scottish Executive, Caledonian Maritime Assets could improve, regulate, manage, mark and light the harbour and provide accommodation.
It would not exercise these powers without the written permission of whoever owned the land, although only the sea boundary line is shown on the harbour empowerment plan of the relevant area.
One objection points out that Lochaline Harbour has no historic existence and is not defined.
Source: The Oban Times.
08/02/07.
The 1730 sailing from Ullapool to Stornoway was cancelled on Friday 9th due to the weather. CLANSMAN will try to sail around mid-day on Saturday. The Sound of Barra service also faced disruptions on Friday.
The 1710 ex Ardmhor and the 1815 ex Eriskay were cancelled today (10/02) due to the weather.
Source: Ships of CalMac/Caledonian MacBrayne.
PS MOUNTAINEER (III) was launched by A&J Ingles, Glasgow on Thursday 10th February 1910. Her Yard No was 291.
She was the last paddle steamer to be built for the MacBrayne fleet and was similar to PIONEER (II) in many respects.
MOUNTAINEER (III) never became identified closely with any particular route and rarely worked north of Fort William or Tobermory.
She was sold in September 1938 and was broken up by Smith & Houston, Port Glasgow.
Source: Clydesite/Duckworth and Langmuir-West Highland Steamers.
The full programme for WAVERLEY's 10-day 2007 tour of the West Highlands and Islands has now been completed and tickets are on sale.
Included are first ever calls for the paddler at the new pier at Inverie in Loch Nevis and at Scalasaig on the Isle of Colonsay. The programme will be as follows: Friday 4th May Glasgow-Greenock-Campbeltown-Port Ellen-Oban Saturday 5th May Oban-Tobermory- via the Small Isles - Armadale return Sunday 6th May Oban-Fort William-Oban-Cruise to 4 Lochs-Oban-Fort William Monday 7th May Fort William-Oban-via Iona and Staffa (non landing) - Coll & return. Tuesday 8th May Oban-Armadale-Mallaig-Inverie (First Ever Call)-Mallaig-Armadale-Kyle of Lochalsh. Wednesday 9th May Kyle of Lochalsh-Potree-Kyle of Lochalsh- cruise to Kylerhea & Eilean Donan & return Thursday 10th May Portree-Broadford-Kyle of Lochalsh-Mallaig-Inverie - Cruise & Return. Friday 11th May Kyle of Lochalsh-Broadford-Portree- cruise in Sound of Raasay and across the Inner Sound into Loch Torridon & Return Evening One Way Sailing Kyle of Lochalsh-Tobermory Saturday 12th May Tobermory-Oban (coach connections from Glasgow & Fort William)-Colonsay (First Ever Call)-Oban-Fort William Sunday 13th May Fort William-Oban-Iona (to land by Ferry) & Return to Oban (return to Fort William by coach from Oban) Monday 14th May Oban- Clyde Coach connections from Glasgow-Oban for weekend sailings. Bookings can now be made via the following link: http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/booknow.htm?region=sc&month=05&x=59&y=16 Source: Clydesite-Stuart Cameron.
10/02/07.
There are currently some temporary measures for LGV's at Fishnish. CalMac staff are manning some lanes, which measure the gross tonnage of the lorries and coaches that are currently using the crossing. This has been put in place due to the fact that the two smaller Loch class vessels currently on the route are not able to carry the same weight as the regular LOCH FYNE.
Source: Ships of CalMac. www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk
Many services throughout the network were subject to disruption on Thursday 15th as strong winds swept across the Western Isles. The 0715 Stornoway – Ullapool sailing was cancelled on Friday morning.
LOCH BHRUSDA is now at Ardmaleish. LOCH FYNE and CORUISK are sharing the Garvel dry dock. The Jura ferry, EILEAN DHIURA, is also at Ardmaleish. Normally her roster would be covered by EIGG, but this year the service is being covered by the Mull-based ship, MARGARET SINCLAIR.
HEBRIDEAN ISLES is back on the Islay route having completed her duties on the Scrabster – Stromness route.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne/Ships of CalMac.
Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, has admitted this week that the £12m tendering execise has been “costly” and “frustrating” but claims it was simply unavoidable.
The tendering process for twenty-five Hebrides and Clyde routes was still lumbering on this week with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) surveying passengers travelling to Bute and senior staff attending meetings up and down the west coast discussing the implications for the tender.
In 2004 the Scotttish Executive invited companies to bid for the ferry routes because of European legislation, which meant that CalMac’s monopoly of the routes was in breach of regulations.
Last month V Ships withdrew its bid leaving CalMac as the only company left “competing “ in a superficial tendering exercise, but the state owned company still has to prove it is the best equipped to deliver the ferry services. The final bid has to be delivered to the Executive on Friday May 11th.
Tavish Scott said, “ We had no option and I would like to simply ignore it (the legislation) but breaking the law is not an option open to a minister”.
When asked if CalMac’s bid was not acceptable, Mr Scott said, “ I am not going to get into what might happen; they need to come up with the tendering specifications.
I have three principal priorities. That we ensure the security of the services for local people and islanders. That there will be no disruption, irrespective of the process, to the services. That ferry users will not see any change and will get the ferry service they deserve and that we will protect the workforce throughout the process.”
£12m paid for the restructuring of CalMac into two separate companies while £1.8m was spent on costs in the Executive’s transport department in preparation for the bid.
Source: The Oban Times.
Lifeline ferry services to remote island communities could be put at risk by new tender specification rules for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes, it was claimed yesterday.
Argyll and Bute Council transport spokesman Duncan MacIntyre said the Scottish Executive's Invitation to Tender document stipulates that the route operator can be fined up to £5,000 if ferries do not leave on time. The only exceptions to the rule are listed as medical emergencies, or adverse weather, but Mr MacIntyre said greater flexibility was clearly needed to ensure remote communities are best served. Councillor MacIntyre said: "We do have issues over the penalties they have included in the Invitation to Tender document. If a lorry is coming from Glasgow to catch the ferry in Oban with food supplies for Barra and it is delayed because of a road accident, the ferry can be fined if it waits for it and doesn't sail on time." But he added: "They have got to recognise that it's a lifeline service and lifeline means getting food to people, lifeline means using flexibility, what if a bus that is connecting with the ferry is late?" He said there were other causes for concern about the content of the tender document. Giving an example, he said there was provision for an extra late sailing from Oban to Mull on Friday nights, while the local community had actually asked for a late sailing on Saturdays, so that people could get home after weekend outings. There is also concern that the Sunday sailings to Tiree stop in December. And Councillor MacIntyre said the council is questioning the need for the Oban to Barra service to include a sailing between Castlebay and Lochboisdale, as they feel this is unnecessary because there is an alternative Barra-Uist service. He said: "If they stopped the Oban vessel at Castlebay they would save 32 hours of sailings a week and it would make a tremendous difference if we had those hours of sailings going on to the Tiree, Coll and Colonsay routes." The council is writing to the Scottish Executive asking it to address the problem areas, following a meeting with representatives of long-time route operator Caledonian MacBrayne, to discuss the tender details. Although CalMac is now the only competent bidder for the new Clyde and Hebrides contract, after V.Ships withdrew, the company still has to prove it can meet the specifications as laid out in the new tender document. CalMac public affairs manager Hugh Dan MacLennan said: "The council has expressed some concern about some aspects of the Invitation to Tender document and we have concerns ourselves, which we will be raising with the executive next Tuesday. A series of issues of clarification have been submitted by the company." A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive, which claims the tender procedure is necessary to meet the terms of European laws, said: "There is no need for concern because discussions are still ongoing between CalMac and the executive over the service." Source: Clydesite-John Newth/Aberdeen Press and Journal.
18/02/07.
ISLE OF LEWIS arrived back in Stornoway this morning (20/02) and resumed her normal roster. CLANSMAN has departed for her overhaul also at Birkenhead and should arrive there tomorrow morning.
Due to exceptionally high tides at Oban this morning, the 1530 sailing to Barra and Lochboisdale departed about one hour late.
Source: Ships of CalMac/Caledonian MacBrayne www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk www.calmac.co.uk
20/02/07.
The Club was privileged to welcome Mr Norman Brown of Caledonian MacBrayne as the Guest Speaker at the meeting on Friday 23rd.
Mr Brown is the Project Manager for New Construction with the Company. He sub-titled his presentation, “What Drives CalMac?” with “ propellers et al” to ensure that the title did not suggest any political implications. Indeed Mr Brown did try to avoid any politics during the course of the evening.
Mr Brown is originally from Arran but now lives in Largs. He is of the opinion that CalMac is not only the most criticised company in Scotland, but also the most loved. He worked for Ferguson’s Shipyard in Port Glasgow for thirty-two years before going freelance. He started working for CalMac in a freelance capacity but went full-time in 2000. Mr Brown has worked on fourteen vessels with CalMac, from the oldest, ISLE OF ARRAN, to the newest, LOCH SHIRA.
His presentation concentrated on everything that the observer does not normally see; the propellers, rudders and engines. He did so by highlighting six different vessels; HEBRIDES, LOCH ALAINN, LOCH PORTAIN, LOCHNEVIS, CORUISK and BUTE projecting excellent photographs of each ship throughout the evening.
HEBRIDES is powered by fixed propellers with controllable pitch blades. These are controlled from the Bridge. This means that each blade can be moved when required according to weather conditions etc. In common with other large units in the CalMac fleet, she has articulated rudders. This means that the outer edge of the rudders can turn independently. The main rudders can turn to 45 degrees. When the articulated rudder is used this increases to 90 degrees.
HEBRIDES is fitted with two bow thrust units on each side.
The engines are built by Krupp, Kiel in Germany. They use an oil distillate, which is extremely pure. There are strict controls over funnel emissions now and CalMac has passed the emission tests with flying colours.
LOCH ALAINN uses Voith Schneider units as propulsion. The Club was shown a simulation, which portrayed a Voith Schneider unit in action. A Voith Schneider unit consists of about eight blades in a circle and, as the unit turns, each blade turns on it’s own axis.
LOCH PORTAIN is powered by Schottel water pump-jet units. This is not the most efficient method of propulsion, but is necessary because the vessel works in the shallow waters of the Sound of Harris. Water is sucked in through the intakes then forced out the other side propelling the ship through the water.
The particular problem with LOCHNEVIS is that she not only has to use the linkspan at Mallaig, but she also has to use the slipways at Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna. She is, therefore, fitted with propeller guards and skegs. She is a triple-screw ship but only uses two screws when berthing. LOCHNEVIS is fitted with a bow thrust on each side.
CORUISK is fitted with Schottel Rudder Propellors fore and aft. When she entered service there was some confusion amongst the crew as to which end was the bow and which was the stern. A yellow arrow has been painted on the bow vehicle ramp to avoid any confusion. When CORUISK is in service between Mallaig and Armadale she simply goes backwards and forwards without any requirement to turn and face the linkspan.
The last vessel of the evening under discussion was BUTE. She is also powered by Schottel Rudder Propellors. The reason for the installation of this type of propulsion is because it is cheaper, more efficient and lighter. Mr Brown showed two aerial photographs of BUTE at Wemyss Bay Pier, which portrayed the propulsion units maintaining the vessel, in position, at the pier.
Mr Brown revealed that Azi Pods might power the new Islay ship. Finally, before closing his address, he showed a film of the new ARGYLE being launched at the Remontowa Group Shipyard, Gdansk, Poland.
As one would expect questions from the floor covered many aspects of Mr Brown’s talk. Some of the questions were about ships not touched upon during the address e.g. ISLE OF MULL.
Mr Brown gave the Club an address of superb quality. While employing a touch of humour his presentation was informative and educational. The writer has not attempted to repeat every detail included in the address but has tried to give a flavour of what Mr Brown had to offer.
Gordon Law asked a very healthy turnout of Club members to give Norman Brown an exceptional vote of thanks for what was an exceptional presentation. He was not disappointed.
The next meeting is on Friday March 30th when the Club will be entertained by two well known and respected shipping enthusiasts-Messrs Ian Hall and Robert Cleary. They will be giving an illustrated talk entitled “From Arran to Mull-The Story of MVs Caledonia and Glen Sannox”.
All meetings are held in the Kirk Lounge, Renfield St Stephens Church Hall, Bath Street, Glasgow starting at 19.30.
Duncan Wilson.
24/02/07.
BUTE is presently laid up in the King George V Dock. She is the first CalMac ship to sail up the Clyde for many years. CORUISK is back at Roseneath having made a quick call at Gourock. LOCH FYNE is still in the James Watt Dock. Her bridge and funnel are painted different shades of red. The bridge is more crimson than red. ISLE OF ARRAN, also in the JWD, is due in the Garvel dry-dock for overhaul possibly sharing it with LOCH PORTAIN. She is moored at the wires in Gourock where she arrived after an overnight stop in Campbelltown and a quick call in Largs to unload crew cars. LOCH LINNHE is back at Craignure awaiting her next duty. CLANSMAN is at Birkenhead for her overhaul.
HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS will be at Fairlie on March 2nd before embarking on a cruise around the Clyde. She returns to Fairlie on the 6th after calling at Brodick (3rd), Inverary (4th), Rothesay (5th) and Loch Striven (5th pm).
After departing from Fairlie she will be calling at Inverary (7th), Rothesay (8th), Brodick (9th), Holy Isle (9th pm), Campbelltown (10th), Jura (11th and 18th), Oban (12th, 16th, 22nd, 29th a 0800 d 1900), Sheildaig (13th, 25th, 31st), Portree (14th am, 24th am), Plockton (14th pm 24 am), Loch Scavaig (15th am, Rum (15th pm, 23rd, 30th am), Craobh Haven (17th am), Crinan 17th pm), Port Ellen (18th), Colonsay (19th), Iona (20th), Kilchoan (21st), Gairloch (25th, 31st), Craignure (28th), Lismore (21st pm, 28th pm), Loch Torridon(30th pm).
Source: Ships of CalMac /Ships Monthly.
Further information from Walter Bowie and Gordon Law.
Caledonian MacBrayne has been informed that the main road between Fort William and Mallaig will be closing at Arisaig to allow essential repair work to be carried out. The road will be closed on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd March between the hours of 0900-1100 and 1230-1430.
This will affect the passenger and vehicle traffic on the 0925 departure from Armadale and 1020 departure to the Small Isles on both of these days.
Anyone wishing to travel to the Small Isles will need to be at Mallaig before 0900.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne, www.calmac.co.uk
Fears over the potential damage to the Minch caused by tankers have been allayed slightly with a new Automatic Identification System (AIS).
It will automatically tell the coastguard of passenger ships or ships weighing over 300 tonnes travelling through the Minch or the route to the west of the Hebrides.
Concerns have been raised in the past about the dangers of tankers using the deep-water route between Skye and the Outer Hebrides, which provides a shorter and more sheltered route north and south. The news has been welcomed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Highland Council, which have joined forces to form the Tanker Traffic in the Minch Working Group.
Source: The Oban Times.
A new DVD, entitled Memories of the David MacBrayne Fleet, has been published by Video History Scotland (www.videohistoryscotland.freeserve.co.uk).
The DVD offers a brief visual account of many ships in the MacBrayne fleet. The ships featured include LOCHNELL, LOCH NEVIS (1943), LOCH FYNE (1931), CLAYMORE (1955), LOCH MOR (1930), SAINT COLUMBA, LOCH SEAFORTH, KING GEORGE V, LOCH ARKAIG, LOCHINVAR and LOCH EIL. More unusual footage of LOCHSHIEL on Loch Shiel and DARTHULA II sailing on Loch Etive between Achnacloich and Kinlochetive will be of interest.
Tighnabruaich Pier is featured in the opening scenes much to the delight of the writer as he spent many happy holidays in and around the village during the 1960s.
Running time of the DVD is forty-seven minutes.
Duncan Wilson.
26/02/07.
The Sound of Barra service was cancelled today (28/02) due to the weather. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow weather permitting.
The 1800 service from Kennacraig to Port Ellen was also cancelled. This means that the 0415 return from Port Ellen tomorrow morning is also cancelled.
Source: Caledonian MacBrayne.
Wednesday 28th February 2007.
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Contact WHSC: info@westhighlandsteamerclub.co.uk