We have nothing but admiration:
Admiration for Tiree’s courageous Pier Staff.
Admiration for the skipper and crew of the MV Clansman.

In galleries mouse-over for captions, double-click for larger photographs

In the Passage of Tiree

Out of the Murk

Out of the Mist

The weather forecast was looking bleak for Monday’s sailing.
It was a statement and not a question.
“You will be here on Monday!”

On Sunday morning the alert duly arrived.
Oban-Coll-Tiree 03/04,
there is a heightened possibility
of disruption to service
due to forecasted high winds.
Would the crossing be cancelled on Monday morning?

MV Clansman approaches Tiree’s Pier

MV Clansman approaches Tiree’s Pier

MV Clansman approaches Tiree’s Pier

Monday morning – almost unbelievably no cancellation.
Nevertheless there is an alert.
Oban- Coll- Tiree 03/04
There is a heightened possibility of disruption
to service due high winds, possibly one stop at Coll.

The MV Clansman certainly made its first visit to Coll.
It appears the vessel had to make about three attempts to berth.
The sailing down the Passage of Tiree could not have been smooth.

The MV Clansman cautiously approaches the pier

The crew at the bow on the ready

The Clansman’s powerful thrusters drive the stern in towards the pier

It was a consideration attempting to photograph the ferry.
Keep the camera dry! Stand steady in the gusting wind.
In the Passage of Tiree there is murk and the mist.

With the wind gusting to 43mph from the South
the Skipper cautiously made his approach
choosing to come across the roundhead
and then to bring in his stern.

From Midship the bow ropes are thrown and caught first time.
You can hardly imagine standing on the roundhead
with winds gusting to over 40mph.

Bow ropes being caught

Stern thrusters working hard

A cautious approach to the roundhead

The Clansman’s thrusters have no problem today with wind or wave.
The stern ropes are thrown and caught.
Finally the stern ramp is lowered.

Waiting to release the bow ropes

On guard in case the vessel has to make a quick get away

The Bridge

A watchful eye is kept on both the stern and bow ropes.
Significantly a ‘White Hat’ stands close to the ramp mechanism.
The vessel has to be prepared in case it has to make a hasty retreat.

There is no hanging around.
As soon as the vessel is loaded she is off.
Bow ropes are released and the heavy stern ropes hauled on to the pier.

The word from the bridge is unmistakable.
There will definitely be no return visit to Coll.
The text message arrives soon after.
Due to strong southerly winds
there will be no stop in at Coll
and the vessel has departed Tiree for Oban

As you can see it is not always sunny on Tiree.
But you have to admire the courage and skill of all involved.

This is ‘Life on Tiree’.