Oban, in Argyll and Bute, is the bustling ferry terminal for many of the Hebridean Isles.
CalMac Ferries come and go from Islay, Colonsay, Lismore, Mull, Barra, Coll and Tiree.
With the introduction of RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) it is is extremely busy.
You can now commute to the Mainland from the Isle of Mull.
For anyone with an interest in ferries it is a dream location.

A recent trip to the Mainland meant a morning and afternoon spent in the town.
As the morning progressed the weather declined to a steady drizzle.
However there was still a point of interest – the ferries.

MV Isle of Lewis berthing after sailing from Castlebay, Barra.

MV Isle of Lewis departing for Castlebay, Barra

MV Isle of Lewis leaving Oban Bay and heading into the Sound of Mull

Six days later what a difference.
The sun shone and the bay was transformed.
Boats and ships of all kinds were coming and going.
The Hebridean Princess was moored close to the lifeboat.
There were fishing boats and vessels serving the fish farming industry.
There were pleasure craft, boats offering sight-seeing trips – and the ferries.

MV Isle of Mull

Vessel at Anchor

Hebridean Princess

The Tuesday afternoon sailing to Coll and Tiree departs the ferry terminal at 2:45.
This departure time allows travellers to arrive by public transport.
For drivers it takes away the early morning strain.

The MV Clansman arrived in a sun-drenched bay from Colonsay.
Once everyone had disembarked, embarkation began for Coll and Tiree.
First the vehicles with their drivers and passengers were loaded on the vessel.
Once that process was completed the foot passengers were allowed on board.

With the sun out many headed straight for the Clansman’s open stern deck.
What a day to cruise up through the magnificent Sound of Mull.
So strong was the sun mountain tops were often hazy.
The best was yet to be – arriving home on Tiree.

This is one of the many joys of living on the Isle of Tiree.