Mainland

This is a photo I took today off the Skye ferry, looking back towards the mainland. Its been a strange day, a mix of sun, showers, light and dark but back on Skye at last ! It was taken fom the CalMac ferry the Loch Coruisk at about 4.45 this afternoon.

Following her launch at Appledore's yard in early 2003, MV Coruisk left on her delivery voyage on 2 August. She carried out berthing trials on the Clyde, before taking over the Mallaig to Armadale route on 14 August. She was officially named at Armadale by Baroness Michie at a special ceremony.

Initial technical problems required MV Pioneer to resume the service for some time. On 24 August, Coruisk lost power and struck a reef at Mallaig harbour entrance, losing one of her propulsion units. She went to the Clyde for repairs and did not return to Mallaig that season. The following winter season at Dunoon, was only slightly more successful, with slow berthing and many passenger complaints. Subsequent seasons have been less eventful. A temporary modification is made for the winter seasons to accommodate the gangways at Wemyss Bay and Rothesay.