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| November 2004 news The Royal Navy minehunter, HMS BLYTH, made a three-day visit to Port Ellen, Islay, on Saturday 6th November, following a major exercise off the west coast of Scotland. Following a referendum, the islanders of Lismore have voted for improvements to the existing ferry service between Achnacroish and Oban. Argyll and Bute Council will enter into discussions with CalMac in an effort to improve the service. The alternatives were to move the ferry to the north of the island with a bus service to Oban or to move the ferry and provide a passenger only service between Achnacroish and Oban. While the MV CORRAN was away for overhaul the relief ferry broke down resulting in congestion on theA861, which runs round Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. The Glenelg Community have succeeded in their quest to buy and run the Glenelg Ferry, MV GLENAHULISH They have now got to find and train a skipper to pilot the ferry through the Kyle Rhea narrows. Following the construction of new terminals at Muck, Rhum and Eigg, a similar terminal will be built at Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsular. The November meeting, The Presidents Address, took place on the 26th and was chaired by Robin Love. The President, Duncan Wilson, opened his Address, entitled “Island Hopping Tales”, by saying a few words about himself and his holidays in Tighnabruaich. He then showed the members present a selection of news cuttings and postcards portraying, amongst others, the LOCHFYNE, KING GEORGE V and the CALEDONIAN PRINCESS. A variety of slides then followed portraying, not only CalMac ships, but also LORD OF THE GLEN, NEPTUNES LADY, FINGAL, WESTERN ISLES, ETIVE SHEARWATER and GLENAHULISH. Duncan mixed his slides with tales of whale and shark spotting and an episode in which he missed the last ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh. Ian Somerville gave the vote of thanks. Robin Love read out an update on shipping movements. He has still got Club Calendars for sale at £4.50 and is accepting subscriptions for the forthcoming year at £12.00. The next meeting is on December 17th and is the joint meeting held with the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. The speaker is Iain Quinn and his subject is “ Slides from the collection of the late John Nicolson”. Duncan Wilson 26th November 2004.
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