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November 2005
CalMac on the Clyde
 
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).
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
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.
CalMac on the Clyde
 
All photos taken in August 2005.   Click to enlarge.
 
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
 
Links
Caledonian MacBrayne
Ships of CalMac enthusiast website
 
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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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