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| November 2005 |
| CalMac
on the Clyde |
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| Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
are the principal operator that serves Scottish islands from the
mainland. They operate in the Highlands and also on the
Clyde. The West Coast services revolve around three islands in
the Clyde (Bute, Arran and Cumbrae) and the commuter town of Dunoon, which
is on the mainland but might as well be on an island. The
vessels vary according to the route requirements, but the two largest are
the recently delivered Bute (above left) which serves Bute
(unsurprisingly) and the Caledonian Isles (above right)
which serves Arran. The remainder of the Clyde fleet comprises
the three so-called streakers (below) and Loch class vessels for
the shorter routes (bottom). |
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| CalMac stalwarts on the Clyde
for the past 30 years have been Juno (above left) arriving
at Wemyss Bay from Rothesay, Jupiter (above right) on
passage from Gourock to Dunoon and Saturn (below),
leaving Brodick |
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| Loch class vessels operate
throughout the CalMac roster, providing small vessels for short
crossings. Loch Dunvegan (below left) operates
between Rhubodach on Bute and Ardentraive on the mainland. Loch
Tarbert (right upper), operates from Lochranza on Arran to
Claonaig on the mainland. This route provides a useful
alternative for reaching the Mull of Kintyre from the West Coast of
Scotland rather than driving all the way round (using ferry to Brodick
first). The final vessel, Loch Alainn (right
lower), runs from Largs to Cumbrae, and provides day trip
opportunities to Millport. |
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| CalMac
on the Clyde |
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| All photos taken in August
2005. Click to enlarge. |
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| Photo
Facts (top to bottom) |
 | Bute arriving at Rothesay |
| Caledonian Isles at Brodick |
| Juno arriving
at Wemyss Bay from Rothesay |
| Jupiter on
passage from Gourock to Dunoon |
| Saturn, on summer relief,
leaving Brodick |
| Loch Dunvegan arriving at Rhubodach |
| Loch Tarbert arriving at Lochranza |
| Loch Alainn arriving at
Largs |
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| Links |
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Auchrannie
House Hotel
More of a retreat than a hotel. Comfortable facilities in
lush surroundings and a splendid restaurant that has sorbet as a feature
of a gourmet menu. Pamperable.
http://www.auchrannie.co.uk/ |
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