MV Isle of Arran: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Scottish ferry}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}} |
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{{Use British English|date=December 2017}} |
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{|{{Infobox ship begin}} |
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{{Infobox ship image |
{{Infobox ship image |
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|Ship image= |
| Ship image = File:Isle of Arran 1.jpg |
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|Ship image size=300px |
| Ship image size = 300px |
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|Ship caption= |
| Ship caption = On approach to Ardrossan, September 2021 |
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{{Infobox ship career |
{{Infobox ship career |
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|Ship country=[[United Kingdom]] |
| Ship country = [[United Kingdom]] |
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|Ship flag=[[File:Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|60px]] |
| Ship flag = [[File:Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|60px]] |
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|Ship name= MV ''Isle of Arran'' |
| Ship name = *MV ''Isle of Arran'' |
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*{{small|{{langx|gd|Eilean Arainn}} <ref name=calmac/>}} |
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|Ship owner=[[Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited]] |
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|Ship |
| Ship owner = [[Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited]] |
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|Ship |
| Ship operator = [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] |
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| Ship route = *Ardrossan—Brodick-Campbeltown/Arran Relief |
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*[[Ardrossan]] - [[Campbeltown]] (summer) |
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| Ship ordered = |
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*Relief vessel (winter) |
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| Ship builder = [[Ferguson Shipbuilders|Ferguson Ailsa Ltd]], [[Port Glasgow]] |
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|Ship ordered= |
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| Ship yard number = 491<ref name="miramar">{{csr|register=MSI|id=8219554}} Retrieved 2 August 2009.</ref> |
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|Ship builder=[[Ferguson Shipbuilders|Ferguson Ailsa Ltd]], [[Port Glasgow]] |
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| Ship way number = |
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|Ship yard number=491<ref name="miramar">{{csr|register=MSI|id=8219554}} Retrieved 2 August 2009.</ref> |
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|Ship |
| Ship laid down = |
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|Ship |
| Ship launched = *2 December 1983 |
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* <small>by Miss Joanna Younger, daughter of the then Secretary of State</small> |
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|Ship launched=*2 December 1983 |
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| Ship maiden voyage = 13 April 1984 |
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*<small>by Miss Joanna Younger, daughter of the then Secretary of State</small> |
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| Ship christened = |
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| Ship in service = |
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|Ship |
| Ship out of service = |
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| Ship identification = *{{IMO Number|8219554}} |
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|Ship out of service= |
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* Callsign: GDMJ |
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|Ship identification=*{{IMO Number|8219554}} |
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* [[Maritime Mobile Service Identity|MMSI]] Number: 235104000 |
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*Callsign: GDMJ |
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| Ship registry = [[Glasgow]], [[United Kingdom]] |
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*[[Maritime Mobile Service Identity|MMSI]] Number: 235104000 |
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| Ship fate = |
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|Ship registry=[[Glasgow]], [[United Kingdom]] |
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|Ship |
| Ship status = In service |
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| Ship cost = [[Pound sterling|£]]6,700,000 |
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|Ship status=in service |
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| Ship notes = |
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|Ship cost=[[Pound sterling|£]]6,700,000 |
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|Ship notes= |
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{{Infobox ship characteristics |
{{Infobox ship characteristics |
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|Header caption= |
| Header caption = |
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|Ship class= |
| Ship class = Vehicle and passenger ferry |
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| Ship tonnage = 3,296 [[Gross tonnage|gt]]<ref name=calmac>{{cite web |title=Isle of Arran |url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/the-fleet/mv-isle-of-arran/#/ |website=Caledonian MacBrayne |publisher=Caledonian MacBrayne |accessdate=12 December 2024}}</ref> |
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|Ship tonnage=3,269{{Clarify|date=May 2012}} |
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|Ship displacement= |
| Ship displacement = |
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|Ship length={{convert|84.92|m| |
| Ship length = {{convert|84.92|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship beam={{convert|16.24|m| |
| Ship beam = {{convert|16.24|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship height= |
| Ship height = |
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|Ship draught= |
| Ship draught = |
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|Ship draft={{convert|3|m| |
| Ship draft = {{convert|3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship depth= |
| Ship depth = |
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|Ship decks= |
| Ship decks = |
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|Ship power= |
| Ship power = |
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|Ship propulsion=2 |
| Ship propulsion = 2 × [[Mirrlees Blackstone]] 8MB275 diesel engines, each developing {{convert|2310|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship speed={{convert| |
| Ship speed = {{convert|14|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} (service) |
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|Ship capacity=*448 passengers |
| Ship capacity = *448 passengers |
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*76 cars |
* 76 cars |
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|Ship crew=20 |
| Ship crew = 20 |
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| Ship notes = <ref name=ships/> |
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|Ship notes=<ref name=spec>{{cite web| url=http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/ships.asp?vessel=isle_of_arran|title=MV ''Isle of Arran''| publisher=Ships of CalMac| accessdate=30 August 2007}}</ref> |
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'''MV ''Isle of Arran''''' is a drive-through ferry |
'''MV ''Isle of Arran''''' ({{langx|gd|Eilean Arainn}}) is a drive-through ferry operated on the west coast of [[Scotland]] by [[Caledonian MacBrayne]]. Also known by her local nicknames '''IOA''' and '''The Auld Trooper''', she entered service in 1984 on the [[Ardrossan]] to [[Brodick]] route, serving [[Isle of Arran|Arran]] for nine years before being moved to [[Kennacraig]]. She returned to her original route in 2012, supplementing {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} in summer and becoming a relief vessel for Arran in winter as well as other routes where required. In 2013, she started a new pilot route from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, which became a permanent fixture in 2015. {{as of|2023}}, she is one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, having been in service for 40 years; upon arriving into Oban in the West Highlands, celebrations were mounted ashore to mark the 40th anniversary of her launch and service on 2 December 2023. |
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[[File:Isle of Arran bridge..jpg|thumb|View of the bridge]] |
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==History== |
==History== |
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''Isle of Arran'' was launched on the [[River Clyde|Clyde]] at the end of 1983. After fitting out, she made her way down to [[Gourock]], where she showed the flag and tested her bow ramp on the [[linkspan]]. After further berthing trials at [[Ardrossan]] and [[Brodick]], she eventually took over the route from the elderly {{MV|Glen Sannox|1957|6}} (which itself had recently replaced the failed {{MV|Clansman|1964|6}}) on 13 April 1984, providing a crossing time of 55 minutes. Her winter relieving vessels included [[MV Pentalina-B|MV ''Iona'']] and ''Glen Sannox''.<ref name=ships>{{cite web| url=http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/ships-1/isle-of-arran| title=MV ''Isle of Arran''| publisher=Ships of Calmac| accessdate=15 January 2021}}</ref> |
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Over the years, MV ''Isle of Arran'' has seen complete contrasts in her regular employment - a ship which started out as the main ferry on a busy route, where she was overwhelmed by her own success - redeployed to another route, where she brought ro-ro capabilities and latterly transferred to a role in which she was one of the most well-traveled members of the fleet. She has been a real workhorse, providing an essential service for over 30 years.<ref name=history/> |
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However, by the turn of the decade, it was clear that ''Isle of Arran'' was becoming inadequate for the role for which she was built. In 1993, less than ten years after her launch, she was replaced by the larger {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} and left to take up the [[Kennacraig]] to [[Islay]] crossings. Replacing {{MV|Claymore|1978|2}}, she brought drive-through capabilities to the route. Despite having a much larger vehicle capacity, she could discharge a full load and take on another in the same, if not less, time than ''Claymore''. Throughout the summer she made two or three return trips each day to Islay. On Wednesdays during high summer, her roster took her past Port Askaig to [[Colonsay]] and [[Oban]], returning to Kennacraig after dark. The winter months saw ''Claymore'' or ''Iona'' relieving at Islay while ''Isle of Arran'' covered for the other large vessels at [[Oban]], [[Ardrossan]], [[Ullapool]] and [[Uig, Snizort|Uig]]. She saw service on the majority of the drive-through routes on the west coast while continuing to have her own commitment to Islay during the summer. From the end of 1998, {{MV|Clansman}} took the Arran and Lewis relief sailings and ''Isle of Arran'' relieved where needed.<ref name=ships/> |
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''Isle of Arran'' was launched on the [[River Clyde|Clyde]] at the end of 1983. After fitting out, she made her way down to [[Gourock]], where she showed the flag and tested her bow ramp on the [[linkspan]]. After further berthing trials at [[Ardrossan]] and [[Brodick]], she eventually took over the route on 13 April 1984 from {{MV|Glen Sannox|1957|6}}, which itself had recently replaced the failed {{MV|Clansman|1964|6}}. She became a great asset to the Clyde-based fleet, with a crossing time to Arran of 55 minutes (the scheduled time for many years). Her winter relieving vessels included the [[MV Pentalina-B|MV ''Iona'']] of 1970 and even the elderly ''Glen Sannox''.<ref name=history>{{cite web| url=http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/h_isle_of_arran.asp| title=History of MV ''Isle of Arran''| publisher=Ships of Calmac| accessdate=30 August 2007}}</ref> |
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Upon the introduction of {{MV|Hebrides}} to the "Uig triangle" in March 2001, {{MV|Hebridean Isles}} moved south to become the regular Islay vessel, and ''Isle of Arran'' became the spare vessel. An army charter took her from [[Ardrossan]] to [[Campbeltown]] in the autumn of 2001.<ref name=ships/> |
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However, by the turn of the decade, it was clear that ''Isle of Arran'' was becoming inadequate for the role for which she was built. In 1993, less than ten years after her launch, she made way for {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} and left for the [[Kennacraig]] to [[Islay]] crossings. Replacing {{MV|Claymore|1978|2}}, she brought drive-through capabilities to that route. Despite a much larger vehicle capacity, she could discharge a full load and take on another in the same, if not less, time than ''Claymore''. Throughout the summer she made two or three return trips each day to Islay. On Wednesdays during high summer, her roster took her on past Port Askaig to [[Colonsay]] and [[Oban]], returning to Kennacraig after dark. The winter months saw ''Claymore'' or ''Iona'' on the Islay sailings and ''Isle of Arran'' took on a general relief role for the other large vessels at [[Oban]], [[Ardrossan]], [[Ullapool]] and [[Uig, Skye|Uig]]. She saw service on the majority of the drive-through routes on the west coast, while continuing to have her own commitment to Islay during the summer. From the end of 1998, ''Clansman'' took the Arran and Lewis relief sailings and ''Isle of Arran'' relieved where needed.<ref name=history/> |
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In 2002, she took up an experimental summer arrangement as a third large ship based in Oban, along with {{MV|Isle of Mull}} and {{MV|Clansman}}. In this role, ''Isle of Arran'' was able to improve several routes, carrying out additional sailings on a new roster incorporating runs to Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist and Mull. A new weekly sailing on a Thursday took her to Tiree before sailing through the Gunna Sound and across the Minch to [[Castlebay]] for mid-afternoon before retracing her steps to arrive back in Oban late in the evening. {{MV|Lord of the Isles}} took over this roster in 2003 following the introduction of {{MV|Coruisk}} at Mallaig.<ref name=ships/> |
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With the introduction of {{MV|Hebrides}} on the "Uig triangle" in March 2001, {{MV|Hebridean Isles}} moved south to become the regular Islay ship, and ''Isle of Arran'' became the spare vessel. An army charter took her from [[Ardrossan]] to [[Campbeltown]] in the autumn of 2001.<ref name=history/> |
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In 2003, ''Isle of Arran'' returned to Islay to partner ''Hebridean Isles'' on a two-ship roster during the summer season. This arrangement doubled capacity on the route, and Islay could still be served on Wednesdays while ''Hebridean Isles'' sailed to Colonsay and Oban. These additional sailings were marked as such in the timetable, and could be cancelled at short notice as ''Isle of Arran'' was still the relief vessel. Prior to the 2004 season, she spent time in the [[James Watt Dock]] undergoing major work to replace her car deck. At the end of that season, she ventured north to [[Stornoway]] to relieve the freight vessel {{MV|Muirneag}}.<ref name=ships/> |
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[[File:MV Isle of Arran 250107e.jpg|250px|thumb|left|''Isle of Arran'' at Gourock pierhead]] |
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In 2002, she took up an experimental summer arrangement as a third large ship based in Oban, along with {{MV|Isle of Mull}} and MV ''Clansman''. ''Isle of Arran'' was able to improve several routes, carrying out additional sailings on a new roster incorporating runs to Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist and Mull. A new weekly sailing on a Thursday took her to Scarinish on Tiree, through the Gunna Sound and across the Minch to [[Castlebay]] for mid-afternoon before retracing her steps to arrive back in Oban late in the evening. This new duty was a big success with islanders and tourists alike. ''Isle of Arran'' pioneered this new duty roster but {{MV|Lord of the Isles}} was to continue it in 2003, once the new {{MV|Coruisk}} arrived at Mallaig. The duty allocations were redefined with ''Clansman'' taking the majority of the Coll and Tiree sailings, and ''LOTI'' concentrating mainly on the Outer Isles and Colonsay.<ref name=history/> |
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Throughout 2005, ''Isle of Arran'' covered for ''Clansman'', ''Lord of the Isles'' and ''Isle of Mull'' at Oban. Berthing trials at the new linkspan at [[Dunoon]] also allowed her to relieve there. The middle of the summer saw ''Isle of Arran'' handling all Islay traffic for a few days when ''Hebridean Isles'' covered the Tiree and Outer Isles rosters in place of the broken down ''Clansman''. As the season ended, ''Isle of Arran'' returned to Islay to cover for the ''Hebridean Isles''' refit.<ref name=ships/> |
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2003 and 2004 saw ''Isle of Arran'' back at Islay for the high summer, partnering her replacement, {{MV|Hebridean Isles}}, on a two-ship roster. There was essentially double capacity on this route, and Islay could still be served on a Wednesday whilst ''Hebridean Isles'' was off to Colonsay and Oban. These additional sailings to Islay were marked as such in the timetable, and could be cancelled at short notice as ''Isle of Arran'' was still the relief vessel. Prior to the 2004 season, she spent time in the [[James Watt Dock]] undergoing major work to replace her car deck. At the end of that season she ventured north to [[Stornoway]], to relieve the freight vessel {{MV|Muirneag}}. During this spell, idle on Lewis she was joined by ''Clansman'', herself relieving {{MV|Isle of Lewis}} on the main ferry roster.<ref name=history/> |
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===2010s=== |
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In February 2010, ''Isle of Arran'' struck the linkspan at Kennacraig while travelling at a speed of over {{convert|8|kn|km/h|0}}. No passengers or crew were harmed, but there was damage to the vessel and the linkspan.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/isle-of-arran-ferry-collision| title=Isle of Arran Ferry Collides with Kennacraig Pier| date=16 February 2010| publisher=Islay Blog| accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> {{MV|Finlaggan}} replaced her on the Islay service in 2011 and ''Isle of Arran'' again became a spare vessel.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_ferry.html |title=Islay Ferry |website=islayinfo.com |publisher=Isle of Islay| accessdate=7 December 2012}}</ref> When not in service ''Isle of Arran'' is laid up at either [[Campbeltown]] or [[Rosneath]]. |
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''Isle of Arran'' saw service on her original route in February 2012 whilst {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} was away for inspection after striking the pier at Ardrossan.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.arranbanner.co.uk/2012/02/16/replacement-arran-ferry-on-route| title=Replacement Arran Ferry on Route| publisher=[[The Arran Banner]]| date=16 February 2012| accessdate=17 December 2013}}</ref> In July and August 2012, she operated the additional services alongside ''Caledonian Isles'', a role filled by {{MV|Saturn}} until the previous summer. During September 2012, she provided temporary cover on the [[Rothesay, Bute|Rothesay]] - [[Wemyss Bay]] service whilst {{MV|Bute}} underwent engine repairs. This was her first time on the route and a temporary timetable had to be introduced as she could not keep the normal one.{{Citation needed| date=June 2013}} After the September holiday weekend, she remained at Rosneath for the winter, returning to Ardrossan in May 2013 to resume the additional summer service to Arran and piloting a new summer route to [[Campbeltown]].{{Citation needed| date=June 2013}} In December 2015, it was announced that this route would become a permanent fixture in the timetable.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-35038278| title=Campbeltown summer ferry permanent from next year| publisher=BBC News| date=8 December 2015| accessdate=8 December 2015}}</ref> |
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[[File:MV Isle of Arran 250107c.jpg|thumb|right|250px|At [[Gourock]] pierhead]] |
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2005 saw ''Isle of Arran'' doing the back-up duties, with quite a number of calls to Oban, to cover for the ''Clansman'', ''Lord of the Isles'' and the ''Isle of Mull'' at different times. Berthing trials at the new linkspan at [[Dunoon]], allowed her to relieve there whilst the Streakers were all at [[Rothesay, Argyll and Bute|Rothesay]]. The middle of the summer saw ''Isle of Arran'' handling all Islay traffic for a few days when ''Hebridean Isles'' covered the Tiree and Outer Isles rosters in place of the broken down ''Clansman''. As the season ended, the ''Isle of Arran'' was once more on the Islay route, covering for the ''Hebridean Isles''' refit.<ref name=history/> |
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In February 2014, ''Isle of Arran'' once again relieved at Ardrossan after ''Caledonian Isles'' broke down. She later relieved at Stornoway after {{MV|Isle of Lewis}} broke down. |
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In February 2010, ''Isle of Arran'' struck the linkspan at [[Kennacraig]], whilst travelling at a speed of over {{convert|8|kn}}. No passengers or crew were harmed but there was damage to the vessel and the linkspan<ref>http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/isle-of-arran-ferry-collision</ref>. In the summer of 2011, {{MV|Finlaggan}} replaced her on the Islay service and ''Isle of Arran'' became a spare vessel.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_ferry.html |title=Islay Ferry |website=islayinfo.com |publisher=Isle of Islay| accessdate=7 December 2012}}</ref> When not in service ''Isle of Arran'' is laid up at either [[Campbeltown]] or [[Rosneath]]. |
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In April 2015, she suffered problems with her engine shaft just before she was due to start her summer sailings to Brodick and Campbeltown, resulting in ''Caledonian Isles'' taking all of her traffic and offering extra sailings. ''Isle of Arran'' was repaired by the beginning of May and returned to service.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} |
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''Isle of Arran'' saw service on her original route in February 2012, whilst {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} was away for inspection, after striking the pier at Ardrossan.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.arranbanner.co.uk/2012/02/16/replacement-arran-ferry-on-route| title=Replacement Arran Ferry on Route| publisher=[[The Arran Banner]]| date=16 February 2012| accessdate=17 December 2013}}</ref> In July and August 2012, she operated the additional services alongside {{MV|Caledonian Isles}}, a service provided by {{MV|Saturn}} until the previous summer. During September 2012, she provided temporary cover on the [[Rothesay, Bute|Rothesay]] - [[Wemyss Bay]] service, whilst {{MV|Bute}} underwent engine repairs. This was her first time on the route and a temporary timetable had to be introduced as she could not keep the normal one.{{Citation needed| date=June 2013}} After the September holiday weekend, she remained at Rosneath for the winter, returning to Ardrossan in May 2013 to resume the additional summer service to Arran and piloting a new summer route to [[Campbeltown]].{{Citation needed| date=June 2013}} In December 2015, it was announced that this route would become a permanent fixture in the timetable.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-35038278| title=Campbeltown summer ferry permanent from next year| publisher=BBC| date=8 December 2015| accessdate=8 December 2015}}</ref> |
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In August 2015, it was announced that ''Isle of Arran'' would be replaced in 2018 by {{MV|Glen Sannox|2017|6}}, one of two new ferries being built at [[Ferguson Marine Engineering]] at [[Port Glasgow]] on the Clyde.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.clyde1.com/localnews/ferguson-yard-wins-new-ferry-order/| title=Ferguson Yard Wins New Ferry Order| publisher=Clyde 1| date=31 August 2015| accessdate=9 October 2015}}</ref> ''Glen Sannox'' is now expected to be delivered in 2024, with her sister {{MV|Glen Rosa}} to follow soon after.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.fergusonmarine.com/news/mv-glen-sannox-returns-to-port-glasgow/| title=MV Glen Sannox returns to Port Glasgow| date=9 August 2022| publisher=Ferguson Marine| accessdate=2022-10-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-50842804| title=Costs double on delayed CalMac ferry contract| date=18 December 2019| publisher=BBC News | accessdate=2020-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.gov.scot/news/ferguson-marine-update/| title=Ferguson Marine update | date=18 December 2019 | publisher=Scottish Government| accessdate=2020-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66658049|title=Delayed CalMac ferry named Glen Rosa after public vote|access-date=2 September 2023|date=31 August 2023|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> |
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In February 2014, in her 31st year, ''Isle of Arran'' once again relieved on her original route after {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} broke down. She later relieved at Stornoway after {{MV|Isle of Lewis}} broke down. |
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''Isle of Arran'' relieved on the Uig Triangle, alongside {{MV|Hebridean Isles}}, in January and February 2016 while ''Hebrides'' was away covering for other vessels.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/2015/10/07/dedicated-ferries-for-uig-triangle-during-winter/| title=Dedicated ferries for Uig triangle during winter| publisher=Island News and Advertiser| date=7 October 2015| accessdate=8 October 2015| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012193021/http://www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/2015/10/07/dedicated-ferries-for-uig-triangle-during-winter/| archivedate=12 October 2015| df=dmy-all}}</ref> After covering at Islay, she provided extra Easter sailings to Arran, but after she resumed her regular summer timetable, she developed a propeller fault, leaving her out of service for nearly two weeks.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} |
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In 2015, ''Isle of Arran'' finished her winter duties at Islay and headed to Ardrossan to let off crew cars before sailing to James Watt Dock for repairs. During April 2015,before she was due to start her usual summer sailings to Arran and Campbeltown, she suffered problems with her engine shaft. {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} took all of her traffic and offered extra sailings. ''Isle of Arran'' was repaired by the beginning of May and returned to service.{{cn|date=July 2017}} |
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From 3 to 21 January 2017, she relieved on the Ardrossan-Brodick route alongside ''Hebridean Isles'' while ''Caledonian Isles'' was away for her annual overhaul.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/15016040.Exclusive__Save_Our_Ferry__Ardrossan_case_strengthens_as_ferry_has_to_use_the_sea_wall_to_enter_Troon_Harbour/#| title=The case for Ardrossan was strengthened again this week after the MV Isle of Arran had to be towed into berth at Troon during adverse weather| publisher=Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald| date=11 January 2017| accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> |
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For two weeks in June 2017, ''Isle of Arran'' was out of service for emergency bow thruster repairs, resulting in {{MV|Loch Bhrusda}} providing additional sailings from [[Claonaig]] to [[Lochranza]] alongside {{MV|Catriona}}.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/mv-isle-arran-sailings-cancelled-10584478| title=All MV Isle of Arran sailings cancelled for a week to carry out ferry repairs| publisher=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]| date=8 June 2017| accessdate=9 June 2017}}</ref> After returning to Arran, she became the first ferry to dock at the new linkspan in Brodick, carrying out berthing trials on 21 and 26 June.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} |
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[[File:Isle of Arran departing for brodick.jpg|thumb|Isle of Arran departs Ardrossan at 2000 for Brodick.]] |
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In August 2015, it was announced the second ferry ''Isle of Arran'' would be replaced in 2018 by {{MV|Glen Sannox|2017|6}}, a new ferry to be built at [[Ferguson Marine Engineering]] at [[Port Glasgow]] on the Clyde. ''Glen Sannox'' will be one of two identical sister-ships, and MV ''Claymore'' will serve the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert route.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.clyde1.com/localnews/ferguson-yard-wins-new-ferry-order/| title=Ferguson Yard Wins New Ferry Order| publisher=Clyde 1| date=31 August 2015| accessdate=9 October 2015}}</ref> |
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[[File:MV Isle of Arran Greenock..jpg|thumb|Entering James Watt Dock]] |
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She relieved on the Uig Triangle, alongside {{MV|Hebridean Isles}}, in January and February 2016 whilst {{MV|Hebrides}} was away covering for other vessels.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/2015/10/07/dedicated-ferries-for-uig-triangle-during-winter/| title=Dedicated ferries for Uig triangle during winter| publisher=Island News and Advertiser| date=7 October 2015| accessdate=8 October 2015}}</ref> After covering at Islay, she provided extra Easter sailings to Arran. After she resumed her regular summer timetable, she developed a propeller fault, leaving her out of service for nearly two weeks.{{cn|date=July 2017}} |
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In Winter 2017/18, ''Isle of Arran'' was the main winter relief vessel. In November 2017, ''Isle of Arran'' assisted ''Hebrides'' by taking some Lochboisdale-Uig sailings while the Lochmaddy linkspan was being repaired. During February and March 2018, she suffered issues with her propeller shafts while covering for ''Hebridean Isles'' on the Islay run and was out of service for approximately two weeks. In April and May 2018, ''Isle of Arran'' delivered a shared timetable to Arran and Islay while ''Clansman'' was at Garvel Dry Dock at Greenock for repairs to her propeller and prop shaft.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.arranbanner.co.uk/2018/04/20/repair-complications-require-calmac-fleet-reshuffle| title=Repair complications require CalMac fleet reshuffle| author=Martin Laing| publisher=[[The Arran Banner]]| date=20 April 2018| accessdate=22 April 2018}}</ref> |
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In August 2018, ''Isle of Arran'' suffered further issues with her propeller shaft and was out of service for approximately two weeks while repairs were carried out at Garvel Dry Dock. After returning to service, she broke down a week later and was out of service for the rest of the summer season. ''Hebridean Isles'' assisted ''Caledonian Isles'' for the last week of the additional Arran and Campbeltown sailings.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16835494.calmac-ferry-breakdown-causes-major-disruption-to-arran-services/| title=CalMac ferry breakdown causes major disruption to Arran services| author=Martin Williams| publisher=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]| date=11 September 2018| accessdate=30 September 2018}}</ref> |
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[[File:MV Isle of Arran at Brodick 01.jpg|thumb| ''Isle of Arran'' at [[Brodick]] pier on 1 July 2017.]] |
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===2020s=== |
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[[File:MV Isle of Arran with Isle of Mull in Oban.jpg|thumb| ''Isle of Arran and [[MV Isle of Mull]] at Oban.]] |
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In March 2020, at the start of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], ''Isle of Arran'' relieved on the Lochboisdale route while ''Lord of the Isles'' was covering elsewhere. Once {{MV|Clansman}} returned, ''Isle of Arran'' made her way to Troon, where she was laid up until June 2020. She subsequently took up her regular post as second vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route, but was limited to carrying only 79 passengers due to social distancing. The Ardrossan - Campbeltown seasonal route was suspended. The pandemic saw the cafeteria and retail shop closed, with part of the cafeteria closed off for use as a crew mess. The rest of the year saw no change in her usual schedule, with her annual inspection carried out from late September until mid-October before she relieved other vessels. |
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From the 3rd January to 21 January 2017, ''Isle of Arran'' relieved on the Ardrossan-Brodick route alongside {{MV|Hebridean Isles}} whilst {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} was away for her annual overhaul.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/15016040.Exclusive__Save_Our_Ferry__Ardrossan_case_strengthens_as_ferry_has_to_use_the_sea_wall_to_enter_Troon_Harbour/#| title=The case for Ardrossan was strengthened again this week after the MV Isle of Arran had to be towed into berth at Troon during adverse weather| publisher=Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald| date=11 January 2017| accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> |
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In 2021, she headed to Troon for repairs. She returned to service a few days later and repositioned to Oban to relieve at Craignure. A few weeks later, she was again taken out of service at Stornoway in order for repairs to be carried out to a cooling system. On 17 April, after covering for {{MV|Caledonian Isles}}, she visited Gourock to test the new linkspan before making her way to Stornoway to pick up the freight run after [[MV Loch Seaforth (2014)|MV ''Loch Seaforth'']] suffered a major engine failure. She only lasted a few weeks before swapping with {{MV|Hebridean Isles}} on the Islay run due to stabiliser issues, meaning she had to head for more sheltered waters. During this period, the start of her season on the secondary Arran roster was delayed, but she eventually took up service on the route in early June. The passenger capacity limit was lifted in August 2021. |
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For two weeks in June 2017, ''Isle of Arran'' was out of service for emergency engine repairs. {{MV|Loch Bhrusda}} operated additional sailings from [[Claonaig]] to [[Lochranza]] alongside {{MV|Catriona}}.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/mv-isle-arran-sailings-cancelled-10584478| title=All MV Isle of Arran sailings cancelled for a week to carry out ferry repairs| publisher=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]| date=8 June 2017| accessdate=9 June 2017}}</ref> After returning to Arran, she became the first ferry to dock at the new linkspan in Brodick, carrying out berthing trials on 21 and 26 June.{{cn|date=July 2017}} As of Winter 2017 she is the main winter relief ship again and in November 2017 she helped out {{MV|Hebrides}} while Lochmaddy linkspan was getting repaired by doing a few Lochboisdale-Uig sailings. It IS now likely she will be performing one more full season on the Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown service as {{MV|Glen Sannox}} entry to service has been delayed till 2019. |
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[[File:Isle of Arran and Ali Cat, Gourock..jpg|thumb|At Gourock with Ali Cat]] |
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In April 2022, ''Isle of Arran'' returned to Ardrossan to provide additional services over Easter on the Arran run alongside ''Caledonian Isles''. Soon after, ''Caledonian Isles'' suffered a port engine failure and was removed from service, leaving ''Isle of Arran'' as the sole vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route. {{MV|Loch Riddon}} was deployed to run alongside ''Catriona'' between Claonaig and Lochranza to provide additional capacity.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://news.stv.tv/west-central/calmac-ardrossan-ferry-services-to-the-isle-of-arran-out-of-action-for-at-least-three-weeks| title=Ferry out of action for at least three weeks after crash breaks engine| date=22 April 2022| publisher=STV News| accessdate=23 April 2022}}</ref> |
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In January 2023, ''Isle of Arran'' was scheduled to relieve ''Caledonian Isles'' alongside ''Hebridean Isles''. ''Hebridean Isles'', however, experienced significant technical faults: she initially operated a freight-only service between Brodick and Troon, before being withdrawn from service altogether in late February. ''Isle of Arran'' was forced to operate the service alone, with significant impacts on capacity on the route as a consequence. The situation was compounded by the delayed return of ''Caledonian Isles'' from drydock: initially scheduled to return on 3 February,<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/9030/Annual-Vessel-Overhaul-Plans-202223#:~:text=From%2030%20October%20through%20to,route%20in%20January%20and%20February.| title=Annual Vessel Overhaul Plans 2022/23|date=22 September 2022|publisher=CalMac Ferries Ltd| accessdate=26 February 2023}}</ref> ''Caledonian Isles{{'}}'' return to service was delayed further, initially until the 31st March <ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/9262/Delay-in-return-to-service-of-MV-Caledonian-Isles| title=A Delay in return to service of MV Caledonian Isles|date=27 January 2023| publisher=CalMac Ferries Ltd| accessdate=26 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23345866.calmac-sorry-disruption-broken-ferries-sidelined/| title=CalMac sorry for disruption with broken ferries sidelined|date=25 February 2023| publisher=heraldscotland| accessdate=26 February 2023}}</ref> and then until mid-April.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://calmac.co.uk/service-status?route=05| title=Service status & info|date=14 April 2023| publisher=CalMac Ferries Ltd| accessdate=14 April 2023}}</ref> |
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For the 2023 summer season, after being relieved at Arran by ''Caledonian Isles'', she became the second vessel at Islay in lieu of ''Hebridean Isles'', which was still undergoing repairs. The chartered {{MV|Alfred}} served as the second vessel at Arran for the season. |
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[[File:240924 627 MV Isle of Arran offloading at Gourock prior to annual overhaul.jpg|thumb|left|24 September 2024, offloading at Gourock on way to annual overhaul at James Watt Dock, Greenock.]] |
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In January 2024, she returned to Arran to run alongside {{MV|Alfred}}, relieving {{MV|Caledonian Isles}} for her annual dry-docking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CalMac ferry reshuffle as MV Alfred redeployment to Clyde area releases ship for Uist relief service |url=http://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-ferry-reshuffle-releases-ship-for--south-uist-service-3124.html |date=3 January 2024| access-date=2024-01-03 |website=www.hebrides-news.com}}</ref> ''Caledonian Isles'' experienced delays during her annual overhaul and was eventually removed from service for steelwork repairs. ''Isle of Arran'' operated the Ardrossan - Brodick route, initially alongside ''Alfred'' and then by herself. In February 2024, ''Isle of Arran'' operated between Brodick and Troon. This was in response to the permanent closure of the relief Irish Berth and temporary closure of the main Arran Berth in Ardrossan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer Update - Latest network update - Arran service |
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|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/9900/Customer-Update---Latest-network-update-Arran-service |publisher=CalMac| access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> Until her overhaul in October 2024, ''Isle of Arran'' operated between Brodick and Ardrossan, while ''Alfred'' provided additional sailings between Brodick and Troon. |
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On 10 June 2024, as ''Isle of Arran'' approached Ardrossan, a passenger fell overboard. The vessel's crew deployed a rescue craft and brought the passenger back onboard. On arrival, the passenger was transferred by ambulance to [[Crosshouse Hospital]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c900j5e57kxo| title=Woman taken to hospital after falling from ferry| date=11 June 2024| publisher=BBC News| accessdate=17 June 2024}}</ref> |
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While ''Isle of Arran'' underwent her annual overhaul at the James Watt Dock from 24 September to 22 October 2024, ''Hebridean Isles'' and later ''Lord of the Isles'' covered the Ardrossan - Brodick service, with ''Alfred'' continuing the Brodick service from Troon. |
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==Layout== |
==Layout== |
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Of drive-through design, ''Isle of Arran'' has an open plan car deck with space for 76 cars in five lanes. She is fitted with a bow visor and bow and stern ramps. The open stern allows her to carry tankers and other large vehicles at the same time as passengers. There is insufficient height for lorries and coaches down either side of the car deck due to a gallery deck. From the car deck one must go outside to access the passenger accommodation. On Deck 3 |
Of drive-through design, ''Isle of Arran'' has an open plan car deck with space for 76 cars in five lanes. She is fitted with a bow visor and bow and stern ramps. The open stern allows her to carry tankers and other large vehicles at the same time as passengers. There is insufficient height for lorries and coaches down either side of the car deck due to a gallery deck. From the car deck one must go outside to access the passenger accommodation. On Deck 3 is a sheltered seating area, access to the car deck and passenger lounges, and a luggage area. |
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[[File:Sheltered Area.jpg|thumb|Sheltered seating area on Deck 3]] |
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On Deck 4 is the main passenger lounge. At the aft end of the deck is a crew area and the galley. Forward is the cafeteria. The main entrance has an information desk, |
On Deck 4 is the main passenger lounge. At the aft end of the deck is a crew area and the galley. Forward is the cafeteria. The main entrance has an information desk, luggage racks and a gaming area. At the bow is the Coffee Cabin and shop with a lounge. On the port side is another lounge designated for dogs. On Deck 4 allows access to the exterior of the ship. The funnels are located mid deck, as are the three lifeboats and one FRC (Fast Rescue Craft). On Deck 5 passengers can access the popular open foredeck, accessible under the bridge wings. Above the cafeteria is an open deck with red plastic seating. This deck also has more areas for crew members. |
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On deck 6 is the bridge and the outdoor bridge wings, a feature which is now |
On deck 6 is the bridge and the outdoor bridge wings, a feature which is now unique to her in the CalMac fleet. |
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[[File:Isle of Arran Oban.jpg|thumb|Docking at Oban, October 2021]] |
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==Service== |
==Service== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|+History of the vessel's service |
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!Period!!Route and function |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1984 |
| 1984 – 1993|| [[Ardrossan]] – [[Brodick]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1993 |
| 1993 – 1998|| [[Kennacraig]] – [[Islay]] (summer) and winter relief |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1998 |
| 1998 – 2001 || Kennacraig – Islay |
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|- |
|- |
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| 2002|| [[Oban]] 3rd vessel |
| 2002|| [[Oban]] 3rd vessel |
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|- |
|- |
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| 2003 |
| 2003 – 2007|| General relief and Islay 2nd summer vessel |
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|- |
|- |
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| 2007 |
| 2007 – 2011|| Kennacraig – Islay |
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|- |
|- |
||
| |
| Winter 2011 – Summer 2013|| Spare (winter) and [[Isle of Arran|Arran]] 2nd summer vessel |
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|- |
|- |
||
| |
| Summer 2013 – Summer 2022|| Spare (winter), Ardrossan – [[Campbeltown]] (summer) and [[Isle of Arran|Arran]] 2nd summer vessel |
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|- |
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| Summer 2023|| Islay 2nd summer vessel |
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|- |
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| Autumn 2023 – Winter 2023|| General relief |
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|- |
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|2024 – 2025|| Ardrossan/[[Troon]] – Brodick |
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|} |
|} |
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==See also== |
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{{Commons category|Isle of Arran (ship, 1984)}} |
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* [[Caledonian MacBrayne fleet]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==See also== |
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{{Commons category|Isle_of_Arran (ship, 1983)|MV ''Isle of Arran''}} |
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*[[Caledonian MacBrayne fleet]] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[ |
* [hhttps://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/the-fleet/mv-isle-of-arran/#/ MV Isle of Arran] on www.calmac.co.uk |
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{{Caledonian MacBrayne ships}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Isle of Arran}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Isle of Arran}} |
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[[Category:Caledonian MacBrayne]] |
[[Category:Caledonian MacBrayne]] |
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[[Category:1983 ships]] |
[[Category:1983 ships]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Ships built on the River Clyde]] |
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[[Category:Ferries of Scotland]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:03, 12 December 2024
 On approach to Ardrossan, September 2021
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name |
|
| Owner | Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited |
| Operator | Caledonian MacBrayne |
| Port of registry | Glasgow, United Kingdom |
| Route | Ardrossan—Brodick-Campbeltown/Arran Relief |
| Builder | Ferguson Ailsa Ltd, Port Glasgow |
| Yard number | 491[2] |
| Launched |
|
| Maiden voyage | 13 April 1984 |
| Identification |
|
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Vehicle and passenger ferry |
| Tonnage | 3,296 gt[1] |
| Length | 84.92 m (278 ft 7 in) |
| Beam | 16.24 m (53 ft 3 in) |
| Draft | 3 m (9 ft 10 in) |
| Propulsion | 2 × Mirrlees Blackstone 8MB275 diesel engines, each developing 2,310 bhp (1,720 kW) |
| Speed | 14 kn (26 km/h) (service) |
| Capacity |
|
| Crew | 20 |
| Notes | [3] |
MV Isle of Arran (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Arainn) is a drive-through ferry operated on the west coast of Scotland by Caledonian MacBrayne. Also known by her local nicknames IOA and The Auld Trooper, she entered service in 1984 on the Ardrossan to Brodick route, serving Arran for nine years before being moved to Kennacraig. She returned to her original route in 2012, supplementing MV Caledonian Isles in summer and becoming a relief vessel for Arran in winter as well as other routes where required. In 2013, she started a new pilot route from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, which became a permanent fixture in 2015. As of 2023[update], she is one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, having been in service for 40 years; upon arriving into Oban in the West Highlands, celebrations were mounted ashore to mark the 40th anniversary of her launch and service on 2 December 2023.
History
[edit]Isle of Arran was launched on the Clyde at the end of 1983. After fitting out, she made her way down to Gourock, where she showed the flag and tested her bow ramp on the linkspan. After further berthing trials at Ardrossan and Brodick, she eventually took over the route from the elderly MV Glen Sannox (which itself had recently replaced the failed MV Clansman) on 13 April 1984, providing a crossing time of 55 minutes. Her winter relieving vessels included MV Iona and Glen Sannox.[3]
However, by the turn of the decade, it was clear that Isle of Arran was becoming inadequate for the role for which she was built. In 1993, less than ten years after her launch, she was replaced by the larger MV Caledonian Isles and left to take up the Kennacraig to Islay crossings. Replacing Claymore, she brought drive-through capabilities to the route. Despite having a much larger vehicle capacity, she could discharge a full load and take on another in the same, if not less, time than Claymore. Throughout the summer she made two or three return trips each day to Islay. On Wednesdays during high summer, her roster took her past Port Askaig to Colonsay and Oban, returning to Kennacraig after dark. The winter months saw Claymore or Iona relieving at Islay while Isle of Arran covered for the other large vessels at Oban, Ardrossan, Ullapool and Uig. She saw service on the majority of the drive-through routes on the west coast while continuing to have her own commitment to Islay during the summer. From the end of 1998, MV Clansman took the Arran and Lewis relief sailings and Isle of Arran relieved where needed.[3]
Upon the introduction of MV Hebrides to the "Uig triangle" in March 2001, MV Hebridean Isles moved south to become the regular Islay vessel, and Isle of Arran became the spare vessel. An army charter took her from Ardrossan to Campbeltown in the autumn of 2001.[3]
In 2002, she took up an experimental summer arrangement as a third large ship based in Oban, along with MV Isle of Mull and MV Clansman. In this role, Isle of Arran was able to improve several routes, carrying out additional sailings on a new roster incorporating runs to Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist and Mull. A new weekly sailing on a Thursday took her to Tiree before sailing through the Gunna Sound and across the Minch to Castlebay for mid-afternoon before retracing her steps to arrive back in Oban late in the evening. MV Lord of the Isles took over this roster in 2003 following the introduction of MV Coruisk at Mallaig.[3]
In 2003, Isle of Arran returned to Islay to partner Hebridean Isles on a two-ship roster during the summer season. This arrangement doubled capacity on the route, and Islay could still be served on Wednesdays while Hebridean Isles sailed to Colonsay and Oban. These additional sailings were marked as such in the timetable, and could be cancelled at short notice as Isle of Arran was still the relief vessel. Prior to the 2004 season, she spent time in the James Watt Dock undergoing major work to replace her car deck. At the end of that season, she ventured north to Stornoway to relieve the freight vessel MV Muirneag.[3]
Throughout 2005, Isle of Arran covered for Clansman, Lord of the Isles and Isle of Mull at Oban. Berthing trials at the new linkspan at Dunoon also allowed her to relieve there. The middle of the summer saw Isle of Arran handling all Islay traffic for a few days when Hebridean Isles covered the Tiree and Outer Isles rosters in place of the broken down Clansman. As the season ended, Isle of Arran returned to Islay to cover for the Hebridean Isles' refit.[3]
2010s
[edit]In February 2010, Isle of Arran struck the linkspan at Kennacraig while travelling at a speed of over 8 knots (15 km/h). No passengers or crew were harmed, but there was damage to the vessel and the linkspan.[4] MV Finlaggan replaced her on the Islay service in 2011 and Isle of Arran again became a spare vessel.[5] When not in service Isle of Arran is laid up at either Campbeltown or Rosneath.
Isle of Arran saw service on her original route in February 2012 whilst MV Caledonian Isles was away for inspection after striking the pier at Ardrossan.[6] In July and August 2012, she operated the additional services alongside Caledonian Isles, a role filled by MV Saturn until the previous summer. During September 2012, she provided temporary cover on the Rothesay - Wemyss Bay service whilst MV Bute underwent engine repairs. This was her first time on the route and a temporary timetable had to be introduced as she could not keep the normal one.[citation needed] After the September holiday weekend, she remained at Rosneath for the winter, returning to Ardrossan in May 2013 to resume the additional summer service to Arran and piloting a new summer route to Campbeltown.[citation needed] In December 2015, it was announced that this route would become a permanent fixture in the timetable.[7]
In February 2014, Isle of Arran once again relieved at Ardrossan after Caledonian Isles broke down. She later relieved at Stornoway after MV Isle of Lewis broke down.
In April 2015, she suffered problems with her engine shaft just before she was due to start her summer sailings to Brodick and Campbeltown, resulting in Caledonian Isles taking all of her traffic and offering extra sailings. Isle of Arran was repaired by the beginning of May and returned to service.[citation needed]
In August 2015, it was announced that Isle of Arran would be replaced in 2018 by MV Glen Sannox, one of two new ferries being built at Ferguson Marine Engineering at Port Glasgow on the Clyde.[8] Glen Sannox is now expected to be delivered in 2024, with her sister MV Glen Rosa to follow soon after.[9][10][11][12]
Isle of Arran relieved on the Uig Triangle, alongside MV Hebridean Isles, in January and February 2016 while Hebrides was away covering for other vessels.[13] After covering at Islay, she provided extra Easter sailings to Arran, but after she resumed her regular summer timetable, she developed a propeller fault, leaving her out of service for nearly two weeks.[citation needed] From 3 to 21 January 2017, she relieved on the Ardrossan-Brodick route alongside Hebridean Isles while Caledonian Isles was away for her annual overhaul.[14]
For two weeks in June 2017, Isle of Arran was out of service for emergency bow thruster repairs, resulting in MV Loch Bhrusda providing additional sailings from Claonaig to Lochranza alongside MV Catriona.[15] After returning to Arran, she became the first ferry to dock at the new linkspan in Brodick, carrying out berthing trials on 21 and 26 June.[citation needed]
In Winter 2017/18, Isle of Arran was the main winter relief vessel. In November 2017, Isle of Arran assisted Hebrides by taking some Lochboisdale-Uig sailings while the Lochmaddy linkspan was being repaired. During February and March 2018, she suffered issues with her propeller shafts while covering for Hebridean Isles on the Islay run and was out of service for approximately two weeks. In April and May 2018, Isle of Arran delivered a shared timetable to Arran and Islay while Clansman was at Garvel Dry Dock at Greenock for repairs to her propeller and prop shaft.[16]
In August 2018, Isle of Arran suffered further issues with her propeller shaft and was out of service for approximately two weeks while repairs were carried out at Garvel Dry Dock. After returning to service, she broke down a week later and was out of service for the rest of the summer season. Hebridean Isles assisted Caledonian Isles for the last week of the additional Arran and Campbeltown sailings.[17]
2020s
[edit]In March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Isle of Arran relieved on the Lochboisdale route while Lord of the Isles was covering elsewhere. Once MV Clansman returned, Isle of Arran made her way to Troon, where she was laid up until June 2020. She subsequently took up her regular post as second vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route, but was limited to carrying only 79 passengers due to social distancing. The Ardrossan - Campbeltown seasonal route was suspended. The pandemic saw the cafeteria and retail shop closed, with part of the cafeteria closed off for use as a crew mess. The rest of the year saw no change in her usual schedule, with her annual inspection carried out from late September until mid-October before she relieved other vessels.
In 2021, she headed to Troon for repairs. She returned to service a few days later and repositioned to Oban to relieve at Craignure. A few weeks later, she was again taken out of service at Stornoway in order for repairs to be carried out to a cooling system. On 17 April, after covering for MV Caledonian Isles, she visited Gourock to test the new linkspan before making her way to Stornoway to pick up the freight run after MV Loch Seaforth suffered a major engine failure. She only lasted a few weeks before swapping with MV Hebridean Isles on the Islay run due to stabiliser issues, meaning she had to head for more sheltered waters. During this period, the start of her season on the secondary Arran roster was delayed, but she eventually took up service on the route in early June. The passenger capacity limit was lifted in August 2021.
In April 2022, Isle of Arran returned to Ardrossan to provide additional services over Easter on the Arran run alongside Caledonian Isles. Soon after, Caledonian Isles suffered a port engine failure and was removed from service, leaving Isle of Arran as the sole vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route. MV Loch Riddon was deployed to run alongside Catriona between Claonaig and Lochranza to provide additional capacity.[18]
In January 2023, Isle of Arran was scheduled to relieve Caledonian Isles alongside Hebridean Isles. Hebridean Isles, however, experienced significant technical faults: she initially operated a freight-only service between Brodick and Troon, before being withdrawn from service altogether in late February. Isle of Arran was forced to operate the service alone, with significant impacts on capacity on the route as a consequence. The situation was compounded by the delayed return of Caledonian Isles from drydock: initially scheduled to return on 3 February,[19] Caledonian Isles' return to service was delayed further, initially until the 31st March [20][21] and then until mid-April.[22]
For the 2023 summer season, after being relieved at Arran by Caledonian Isles, she became the second vessel at Islay in lieu of Hebridean Isles, which was still undergoing repairs. The chartered MV Alfred served as the second vessel at Arran for the season.
In January 2024, she returned to Arran to run alongside MV Alfred, relieving MV Caledonian Isles for her annual dry-docking.[23] Caledonian Isles experienced delays during her annual overhaul and was eventually removed from service for steelwork repairs. Isle of Arran operated the Ardrossan - Brodick route, initially alongside Alfred and then by herself. In February 2024, Isle of Arran operated between Brodick and Troon. This was in response to the permanent closure of the relief Irish Berth and temporary closure of the main Arran Berth in Ardrossan.[24] Until her overhaul in October 2024, Isle of Arran operated between Brodick and Ardrossan, while Alfred provided additional sailings between Brodick and Troon.
On 10 June 2024, as Isle of Arran approached Ardrossan, a passenger fell overboard. The vessel's crew deployed a rescue craft and brought the passenger back onboard. On arrival, the passenger was transferred by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital.[25]
While Isle of Arran underwent her annual overhaul at the James Watt Dock from 24 September to 22 October 2024, Hebridean Isles and later Lord of the Isles covered the Ardrossan - Brodick service, with Alfred continuing the Brodick service from Troon.
Layout
[edit]Of drive-through design, Isle of Arran has an open plan car deck with space for 76 cars in five lanes. She is fitted with a bow visor and bow and stern ramps. The open stern allows her to carry tankers and other large vehicles at the same time as passengers. There is insufficient height for lorries and coaches down either side of the car deck due to a gallery deck. From the car deck one must go outside to access the passenger accommodation. On Deck 3 is a sheltered seating area, access to the car deck and passenger lounges, and a luggage area.
On Deck 4 is the main passenger lounge. At the aft end of the deck is a crew area and the galley. Forward is the cafeteria. The main entrance has an information desk, luggage racks and a gaming area. At the bow is the Coffee Cabin and shop with a lounge. On the port side is another lounge designated for dogs. On Deck 4 allows access to the exterior of the ship. The funnels are located mid deck, as are the three lifeboats and one FRC (Fast Rescue Craft). On Deck 5 passengers can access the popular open foredeck, accessible under the bridge wings. Above the cafeteria is an open deck with red plastic seating. This deck also has more areas for crew members.
On deck 6 is the bridge and the outdoor bridge wings, a feature which is now unique to her in the CalMac fleet.
Service
[edit]| Period | Route and function |
|---|---|
| 1984 – 1993 | Ardrossan – Brodick |
| 1993 – 1998 | Kennacraig – Islay (summer) and winter relief |
| 1998 – 2001 | Kennacraig – Islay |
| 2002 | Oban 3rd vessel |
| 2003 – 2007 | General relief and Islay 2nd summer vessel |
| 2007 – 2011 | Kennacraig – Islay |
| Winter 2011 – Summer 2013 | Spare (winter) and Arran 2nd summer vessel |
| Summer 2013 – Summer 2022 | Spare (winter), Ardrossan – Campbeltown (summer) and Arran 2nd summer vessel |
| Summer 2023 | Islay 2nd summer vessel |
| Autumn 2023 – Winter 2023 | General relief |
| 2024 – 2025 | Ardrossan/Troon – Brodick |
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Isle of Arran". Caledonian MacBrayne. Caledonian MacBrayne. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "8219554". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g "MV Isle of Arran". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ "Isle of Arran Ferry Collides with Kennacraig Pier". Islay Blog. 16 February 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
- ^ "Islay Ferry". islayinfo.com. Isle of Islay. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ "Replacement Arran Ferry on Route". The Arran Banner. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- ^ "Campbeltown summer ferry permanent from next year". BBC News. 8 December 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ "Ferguson Yard Wins New Ferry Order". Clyde 1. 31 August 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ "MV Glen Sannox returns to Port Glasgow". Ferguson Marine. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ "Costs double on delayed CalMac ferry contract". BBC News. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
- ^ "Ferguson Marine update". Scottish Government. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
- ^ "Delayed CalMac ferry named Glen Rosa after public vote". BBC News. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "Dedicated ferries for Uig triangle during winter". Island News and Advertiser. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 12 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "The case for Ardrossan was strengthened again this week after the MV Isle of Arran had to be towed into berth at Troon during adverse weather". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- ^ "All MV Isle of Arran sailings cancelled for a week to carry out ferry repairs". Daily Record. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
- ^ Martin Laing (20 April 2018). "Repair complications require CalMac fleet reshuffle". The Arran Banner. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ Martin Williams (11 September 2018). "CalMac ferry breakdown causes major disruption to Arran services". The Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
- ^ "Ferry out of action for at least three weeks after crash breaks engine". STV News. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
- ^ "Annual Vessel Overhaul Plans 2022/23". CalMac Ferries Ltd. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ "A Delay in return to service of MV Caledonian Isles". CalMac Ferries Ltd. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ "CalMac sorry for disruption with broken ferries sidelined". heraldscotland. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ "Service status & info". CalMac Ferries Ltd. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ "CalMac ferry reshuffle as MV Alfred redeployment to Clyde area releases ship for Uist relief service". www.hebrides-news.com. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Customer Update - Latest network update - Arran service". CalMac. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- ^ "Woman taken to hospital after falling from ferry". BBC News. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
External links
[edit]- [hhttps://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/the-fleet/mv-isle-of-arran/#/ MV Isle of Arran] on www.calmac.co.uk