Hebrides arrives into Ardrossan. 06/01/13

Hebrides arrived into Ardrossan for the first time in nearly 12 years today after leaving James Watt Dock this morning and circling outside until Caledonian Isles had cleared the berth at 1230. She carefully arrived into the harbour at 1245 and seemed to berth perfectly.

However when her gangway was towed off her car deck shortly afterwards there was a massive bang, and part of the gangway had toppled over and been slightly damaged. Ropes were used from Hebrides bow and  pulled the gangway up right and it was towed off the linkspan. Divers were also seen around her stern for something else.

She eventually left at 1420 for Brodick and Caledonian Isles once again arrived at 1440.

Hebrides took over the Arran roster at Brodick at 1640 and Caledonian Isles is now heading past Cumbrae and towards Greenock as I type this.

Inverclyde - 03/01/13

A dull day on the Clyde today.

The 2001 built Calmac ferry Hebrides is seen visiting the river of her birth for the first time in nearly 4 years. She was in James Watt Dock receiving attention to her winch and will shortly take up service on the Ardrossan - Brodick service relieving Caledonian Isles to go for annual overhaul. She is also seen with a Calmac predecessor, the 1964 built Hebridean Princess former Columba.

Elsewhere on the Clyde the two Argyll Ferries Ali Cat and Argyll Flyer continued their usual duties plying back and forward from Gourock to Dunoon. They briefly swapped over at 1420 with Argyll Flyer taking up the main roster. She is seen leaving for Dunoon at 1420 with the Kilcreggan Ferry Cailin Oir seen relieving for her fleetmate Island Princess, which is currently undergoing an extensive overhaul.

Finally the recently launched Hallaig is seen fitting out at Fergusons Shipyard in Port Glasgow. She is the worlds first sea going ro-ro hybrid ferry and will take up service in late spring on the Sconser - Raasay service.