At the pier this evening:
“Where were you this morning?”
“You should have been here this morning!”
“You should have seen the cant on the vessel!”

The weather forecast was accurate.
We experienced winds gusting up to 47mph.
However we were spared thunder and lightening.
Thankfully there was a weather window for the plane to land on Tiree.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport and the Islands was visiting Tiree.

Of all mornings for the car to fail to start,
It was a first for this particular car.
So there was no visit to the pier.
The car demanded attention.

On a Wednesday the ferry leaves Tiree and sails to Barra.
It’s track takes it through the Gunna Sound and into the Little Minch.
No doubt those on board knew that they were on board a ship in stormy seas.

By the time the ferry returned to Tiree the wind had dropped to 38mph.
It was still demanding work standing on the pier’s roundhead.
The vessel channels the Southerly wind.

Other less powerful vessels would have probably struggled to berth.
However the MV Clansman’s powerful thrusters brought the vessel alongside.

Due to the prevailing conditions there was no gangway.
Foot passengers had to board via the card deck.
The emphasis was on safety.

When the stern ramp was raised the vessel was secured and prepared to sail.
With the ropes released the vessel headed out of Gott Bay.
It certainly produced an impressive bow wave.

The cavernous car deck

The stern ramp is raised

With the stern ramp raised the vessel is prepared to head out to sea

I would liked to have been there in the morning.
Nevertheless it was still a thrill watching the Clansman in stormy Summer seas.

And now for a video of the Might Clansman berthing in stormy summer seals.

This is ‘Life on Tiree’ on a stormy summer’s day.