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By 1983 the vast
majority of Calmac routes had been brought up to date and modernised. Hoist
loading was slowly but surely being eradicated from day-to-day life on the west
coast. One area where hoist loading was still the order of the day was on the
so-called Uig triangle, linking Skye with Tarbert on the Isle of Harris and
Lochmaddy on North Uist. For almost 20 years the faithful HEBRIDES had kept
these routes open, however she had a tendency to run late, given the distinct
lack of speed in her hoist system.
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At
the launch of ISLE OF ARRAN in 1983 it was announced that a new ship was to be
constructed for service on the Uig routes. She would be of broadly similar size
to the ISLE OF ARRAN and although intended for one specific route, would be
suitable for use anywhere within the current network.
Constructed at Cochrane’s yard in Selby,
Hebridean Isles was launched sideways into the Ouse in 1985, creating a large
wave in the process. Following her delivery voyage and acceptance by Calmac, one
of the first tasks performed by the new vessel was to conduct trials at various
ports around the network.
HEBRIDEAN ISLES’ design incorporated a bow
visor, bow and stern ramps as well as a vehicle hoist and side ramps, therefore
making her suitable for all the routes served by the large fleet units. In terms
of capacity she could accommodate almost 70 cars on her spacious car deck
whereas her passenger accommodation was situated on two decks above the car
deck, forward of the hoist. Internally her layout on one deck comprised the
cafeteria furthest aft, then the
entrance concourse, shop and information point with the reclining lounge and bar
towards the bow, whilst upstairs, above the cafeteria was the observation
lounge. Forward of this there was crew accommodation with the bridge on the next
level at the bow. Externally there was ample deck space and, like the ISLE OF
ARRAN, she incorporated a deck area forward of the bridge, giving passengers a
view ahead.
It
was not until spring 1986 that the HEBRIDEAN ISLES took over the Uig routes from
the winter relief ship COLUMBA. This was due to delays in getting the necessary
construction works at the various piers completed. New linkspans were required
at all three of her regular terminals, so in the period before the works were
complete the new ferry found temporary employment as a winter relief vessel on
other crossings such as Oban – Craignure where she stood in for the CALEDONIA
and GLEN SANNOX. When she eventually took over at Uig, she still had to continue
using her hoist at the Skye terminal whilst the finishing touches were carried
out on her new berth at the end of the long pier.
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Being launched into the Ouse
Leaving Lochmaddy, North Uist
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Once she settled into a
new routine she became a popular member of the fleet – especially with those
who used her regularly and remembered the old HEBRIDES. The new ferry brought
vastly improved standards of passenger comfort as well as slightly reduced
sailing times although most saw her largest benefit being the greatly reduced
turn-round times at each pier once she was able to use her bow and stern ramps.
(Incidentally she used her stern ramp at Uig and her bow visor and ramp at both
Tarbert and Lochmaddy.
Over the next 15 or so years the HEBRIDEAN ISLES,
like her predecessor, spent almost all of her time on her intended crossings –
only overhauls saw her leave the Minch, during which time relief tonnage would
keep the routes open. And like her predecessor, no Sunday sailings to Harris
were carried out due to objections from islanders on religious grounds.
HEBRIDEAN ISLES remained on the triangle station for
nearly 15 years before the inevitable happened and demand became too much for
her. She was replaced in 2000 by the new HEBRIDES – reviving the old
traditional name – and she in turn headed south for a new role as the
dedicated Islay ferry, operating out of Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. |
Her new role saw her taking over from the ISLE OF ARRAN and she sailed to Port
Ellen on the south side of the island as well as Port Askaig in the Sound of
Islay. On Wednesdays during the summer season she extended her morning Port
Askaig sailing through to Colonsay and Oban before returning to Kennacraig in
the evening, as had been the case on her particular timetable since 1989 when
the CLAYMORE operated the route.
HEBRIDEAN
ISLES has been the regular Islay ferry for four years now, although in the last
few years she has been joined in the summer by the fleetmate she replaced; ISLE
OF ARRAN, which provided a series of additional sailings throughout the week in
addition to maintaining a service on Wednesdays when she herself would venture
north to Oban.
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Making passage down West Loch Tarbert |
FLEET
HISTORIES - Hebridean Isles
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