A Welcome Visitor

Posted on by lifeontiree

With the MV Clansman at Greenock for her annual overhaul.
the MV Hebridean Isles has taken over her sailings
from 25th February until the 12th March.

(In galleries mouse-over for captions and double-click for larger photographs)

The MV Hebridean Isles prepares to berth at Tiree
The MV Hebridean Isles prepares to berth at Tiree
The MV Hebridean Isles prepares to berth at Tiree

The MV Hebridean Isles departed Port Askaig on Islay at 6:56.
Sailing directly she arrived at Oban’s Ferry Terminal at 9:57
Although timetabled to depart for Tiree at 7:15 –
she was operating to an amended timetable.
Thus the late departure of 10:30 —
probably 10:47

With a burst of black smoke every so often she approaches the pier
With a burst of black smoke every so often she approaches the pier
With a burst of black smoke every so often she approaches the pier

After a windy night there was a moderate swell in Gott Bay, Tiree.
The skipper chose to make an unusual approach to the pier.
As a consequence the ferry took some time in berthing.
Although Marine Traffic states berthing at 15:09.
It was more like 15:20.

The skipper has to stand out on the open wings of the bridge
The “Heb Isles” bringing in her stern
The crew handling the stern ropes

The Hebridean Isles is a much smaller ferry than the MV Clansman.
She is also much older – entering service in 1985
Having served throughout the Western Isles
She is no stranger to Tiree.

An tractor rolls off the ramp
IA MacKinnon Haulage
MacLennan Motors
A car rolls off the ramp
IA MacKinnon Haulage
IA MacKinnon Haulage
The CalMac Office and marshalling lanes

In bound to Tiree she was well loaded.
On board were several local commercial vehicles.
Her return sailing to Oban was likewise heavily loaded.

Welcome Aboard the Hebridean Isles
Welcome Aboard the Hebridean Isles

Anyone going from Tiree to Coll will not now arrive until Sunday.
Due to the swell the ferry was unable to return to Coll
She is expected to to arrive in Oban at 19:30

The Heb Isles thrusts away from the pier
The Heb Isles heads out to sea
Oban bound

Tomorrow Sunday she will once again operate to an amended timetable.
Due to the forecast swell conditions there will only be one stop at Coll.
This comes with a warning that further disruption is possible.

A rainbow lights up the Passage of Tiree later in the afternoon
A rainbow lights up the Passage of Tiree later in the afternoon

This is Life on Tiree welcoming the visit of the MV Hebridean Isles