Latest news with #CaledonianMacBrayne
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Ferry nameplate makes final voyage home to Selby
The nameplate of one of Scotland's longest serving ferries has been returned to Selby, where it was built more than 40 years ago.A special service was held at Selby Cathedral to welcome home the small fragment of the former MV Hebridean ceremony was attended by some of those who helped build the vessel as well as workers from Scottish ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, who delivered the the congregation was Phil Moat, who said: "It's been great to see everyone again - and to see shipbuilding getting some recognition in a beautiful place like this." Built by Cochrane Shipbuilers, in Selby, at a cost of £5.5m the ship was launched sideways into the River Ouse in the next four decades the 280ft (85m) ferry made journeys between islands such as Skye, Colonsay and Islay in north-west Scotland, before being withdrawn from service in among the crowd at today's ceremony was Jim Anderson, who said: "We are ex-shipbuilders. We get the togetherness of a shipyard, and why people are still so proud of a 40-year-old ship. That's why it was important to be here." The Duchess of Kent was in charge of the formalities at the launch, but it was the but it was the technique used to launch the vessel that has stuck long in peoples' had to get underneath the hull, hammer away wooden blocks holding the ship in place, then run for cover as it slid towards the McMillan, known as Mac, said: "The dramatic thing was when you saw people on the opposite bank being hit by the wash from the river."The emergency services were shouting 'get back, get back'. People would line up in big crowds - bring all their children - because they'd never seen anything like that."Paul Welch was one of the workers tasked with hammering away the said: "You've always got one eye on the ship moving. As soon as it moves, you duck and run. "All launches were special - this was one of many launches the shipyard did over the years. "Shipbuilding always was important, but today matters because there are so few of us left. We are a dwindling band." Stephen Mackenzie started at Cochrane's as an apprentice joiner in 1971 - his father and brother worked there as well - and stayed with the firm for 17 said: "This has been a long time coming. Shipbuilding has been going on here for years and years and we didn't get the recognition. I'm very pleased - shipbuilding is what makes Selby." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scottish ferry staff fail drug checks for weed and cocaine after random tests
The ferry firm has a 1,700-strong workforce FAIL THE HIGH SEA Scottish ferry staff fail drug checks for weed and cocaine after random tests Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STAFF at Scotland's national ferries operator have tested positive for drugs amid random checks, we can reveal. Caledonian MacBrayne chiefs caught workers for cocaine and cannabis in a £192,000 screening programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Calmac staff failed drug tests for cannabis and cocaine (STOCK IMAGE) Credit: Alamy Three were found to have smoked joints and one had used cocaine between 2022 and 2024. The data, released through freedom of information, comes as a four-year contract has seen hundreds of staff within the 1,700-strong workforce tested by a third party contractor. Scottish Tory transport spokeswoman Sue Webber said: 'CalMac have a hard enough job providing adequate services for islanders due to the SNP's chronic mismanagement of the ferry fleet, without having to contend with problem staff. 'And taxpayers fleeced over this scandal should not have to shell out £200,000 just to check if folk are in a fit state to work.' A total of 222 workers were tested in 2022, with one positive for cannabis. In 2023, 115 staff were screened resulting in one confirmed cocaine case. Last year, tests on 159 workers showed two staff had taken cannabis. And 57 tests so far this year are all clear. CalMac refused to release the seniority of drug-positive individuals, or which ships or ports they operated from. The company said: 'Testing is essential for identifying potential risks and deterring misuse. At least 18 people injured after fire in Ryanair plane at Majorca airport as passengers abandon jet by clambering over wing 'It ensures we maintain a safe working environment. "We follow best practice in procurement to ensure value for money.'
RTÉ News
27-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
New Árainn Mhór ferry vessel to be officially launched
A milestone for offshore island transport in Co Donegal, will be marked this afternoon as a new vessel, the 'Arranmore Blu' ferry, will be officially launched. The 96 passenger and ten vehicle capacity ferry will provide a six-times daily ferry service between Árainn Mhór and Ailt an Chorráin in west Donegal. The 'Arranmore Blu' was designed by Marine Design Ltd in Glasgow, and it was constructed by Bute Boat Builders in the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. The ferry will replace the MV Morvern, a vessel built in 1972 and formerly part of the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet. Arranmore Ferry Service Managing Director Seamus Boyle said the arrival of the 'Arranmore Blu' represents not just a new vessel, "but a new era for our island community". He said the "ferry has been designed with our passengers' comfort and safety as the top priority, while also accommodating the practical needs of island life". The Boyle family has operated the ferry service between Árainn Mhór and Ailt an Chorráin since June 2007. They began providing a service with the Realt na Maidine vessel - an 11m fast ferry constructed by Red Bay in Cushendall, Co Antrim. They expanded the fleet later in 2007 with the Girl Gray, a 14m Aquastar fast boat. Due to increased demand, they acquired the MV Bruernish from Calmac, a ferry operator on the west coast of Scotland in 2008. The following year - 2009, they acquired the MV Morvern from the same Scottish firm - the boat has served Árainn Mhór for 16 years. It will make way for the 'Arranmore Blu'. Over the years, the Árainn Mhór fleet evolved with the addition of the Yoker Swan and Renfrew Rose from the Clyde. Those two boats were eventually replaced by the Misneach - the first landing craft ferry to serve Árainn Mhór and it later made way the MV Canna - a boat that previously served Rathlin Island, Co Antrim as well west Scottish islands. The owners of the Árainn Mhór ferry service began planning five years ago for a new vessel that would offer greater capacity, safety and comfort and meet the future needs of the Gaeltacht island. Mr Boyle said they are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this project and added they "look forward to providing reliable, modern ferry services for generations to come".
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CalMac news, interviews and updates about the ferry operator
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the Scottish Government-owned ferry operator, plays a crucial role along Scotland's west coast. Serving islands such as Arran, Bute, Mull, Islay, and Skye, it provides vital connections for residents and businesses alike. The service is a key lifeline for the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde islands. Read on for all the latest CalMac news, interviews and updates on the ferry operator. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest CalMac news stories. Ferguson Marine: Swinney urged to act over funding stalls 'Doubt' over CalMac new ferry contract from October Why does CalMac still run Scotland's ferries amidst continuing ire? You can request a refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before departure – but a £10 admin fee applies. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or don't show up, you won't get a refund – though there are some exceptions. Check the full details at: (Image: Newsquest) Cancellations must be made through the Customer Engagement Centre. Customers can also change their bookings online through their account, according to CalMac's website. CalMac is owned by the Scottish Government. Prior to 1990, CalMac was part of the state-owned Scottish Transport Group. CalMac has adjusted services across its network due to delays in the annual overhaul. This includes changes to vessels and schedules. The operator has advised customers to check the service status page for the latest information. CalMac ferry customers can check the timetable and status of their service online or on X, @CalMac_Updates. CalMac has a wide range of tickets and food options. According to the official website, adults aged 16 and over require a ticket, while children aged five to 15 can travel for half the adult fare. Onboard, passengers can enjoy self-service dining at the Mariners cafeterias, with options including homemade soup of the day, freshly made baguettes, fish and chips, Scottish steak pie, and 'CalMac and Cheese.' For children, meals include chicken fillet bites, mac and cheese, and mini fish and chips. CalMac strongly recommends that foot passengers book online or by phone in advance, although tickets may still be available to purchase at the port depending on the route. For details on turn-up-and-go routes and more information, visit: You can bring your pets on board CalMac ferries, but you'll need to book a free pet ticket in advance. Pets are welcome on all outside passenger decks, but for hygiene reasons, they're not permitted in food, drink, or carpeted areas. Assistance dogs are allowed in all public areas of the ferry, except designated children's play areas. For full details, visit the pet travel FAQ: Travelling with pets.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
Waverley: 50 years of the paddle steamer bought for £1
Douglas McGowan thought it was a wind-up when he was offered the Waverley paddle steamer for £ was one of a group of young enthusiasts who enjoyed a jaunt out on a paddle steamer in the 70s. But they never thought they would actually own that is exactly what happened back in 1973 and Scotland's beloved Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, is still going is marking a special milestone of fifty years since the ship ran its first passenger sailings after being taken over as a heritage steamer was first launched on the Clyde in 1946, intended for cruises up Loch Loch and Loch Goil - and she became a familiar sight for generations going "doon the watter" for their something of a national treasure, Waverley was triumphantly returned to service in 1975 by a very determined group two years after the very cheap purchase. "I thought it was a wind up at first," said Mr McGowan from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) on the offer from Caledonian MacBrayne. The company had briefly operated the ship before making the £1 offer to the McGowan had to persuade his committee in London that it was a genuine offer and then, he said, "the fun and games started".They did not have a really clear idea of what to do with the ship as the offer had been totally an inspection of the hull showed that it was in decent condition and a public appeal raised £100,000 - a huge sum for the time. Fifty years on, the Waverley's 2025 sailing season is now underway. This year she will visit 74 ports and piers around the UK."Waverley has witnessed so much change in her lifetime," said Paul Semple, general manager at Waverley Excursions."The river area and the riverside has transformed, yet Waverley has remained".Like many involved with the ship, Mr Semple sailed on her as a child. He started work with her as a student summer job in the mid 90s and has never really said keeping a heritage steam ship running was not over the years there have been challenges like repairs, maintenance, new boilers, incidents where she has gone into a pier and Covid."Money is a challenge," Mr Semple said."But also the people to work the ship to learn the skills of a paddle steamer to ensure that she's here for many years to come". On the first public sailing of the new season, there is a real air of excitement. One young boy is celebrating his birthday, and others have childhood memories."As a kid it was magic," said Alistair Quinlan, who was born and brought up in Helensburgh. He remembers family and Sunday school trips on the Waverley."The fact that the engines are open," he added. "Just the sound of it - it is a living playground for young children". Another passenger, Diane MacKinnon, explains that her husband was born very nearby."He remembers when the river was full of ships like this and everything was really busy on the Clyde," she enthusiasts who took over the Waverley more than 50 years ago said they could never have imagined it would be still going strong today."The nice thing about Waverley is that she's not stuffed or mounted in a museum somewhere," said Douglas McGowan of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society."She's alive and well and in very good condition".
