It is an unusual occurence.
It is more associated with cattle or sheep sales.
It is not often a ferry arrives in Tiree in the hours of darkness.
Yet, twice this week the MV Lord of the Isles has arrived after sunset.
The MV Lord of the Isles approaching Tiree’s pier.
The MV Hebrides is in Garvel Dry Dock, Greenock for repair.
On her approach to Lochmaddy pier she suffered a major fault.
This resulted in damage to her propellor, her propeller shaft and hull.
Consequently Tiree’s dedicated vessel the Clansman is covering for the Hebrides.
This past week ferry services have been disrupted, cancelled and delayed,
Winds have gusted to over 40mph and this has resulted in swell.
Ship and shore have worked in difficult conditions.
“Thanks guys.”
The ‘Lord of the Isles’ is deputising for the ‘Clansman’.
She is not able to carry all the traffic booked on the ‘Clansman’.
Thus today she made the return sailing twice from Oban to the Isle of Tiree.
The first sailing departed Oban at 6:15, an hour earlier than normal.
Her first crossing to Tiree included the normal two visits to the Isle of Coll.
Her second sailing departed Oban at 15:35 and was direct to Tiree, arriving at 19:00.
Her return sailing departed at 19:21 and she was sailing direct to Oban Ferry Terminal.
Thankfully, even compared to this morning, the sea was much calmer.
Hopefully, this coming week the ferry will experience calmer conditions.
We are thankful for the provision of a ferry, for the Lord Isles and her crew.
However, we do look forward to the return of the Clansman, her skipper and crew.
The MV Lord of the Isles heading out to Sea.
Tomorrow morning the ferry will leave Oban at 8:15, an hour later than normal.
After all the crew have been hard at work all day and are having a late night.
The Pier Staff on Tiree have also had a hard week and long day.
They deserve our sincere gratitude.
The question is:
Which vessel will it be next Saturday?
‘Lord of the Isles’ or the Mighty ‘Clansman’?
This is ‘Life on Tiree’ .
