Latest news with #CaledonianMacBrayne
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stunning village voted one of UK's 'most beautiful' stops for road trips
Founded in 1788 as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society and was designed by architect Thomas Telford - it is a popular stop-off on the NC500 Summer has finally graced Scotland, and with it comes the influx of tourists eager to soak in the country's breathtaking landscapes. One of the top attractions is the NC500 in the Highlands, a 516-mile scenic route that loops around the north coast of Scotland, beginning and ending at Inverness Castle. The North Coast 500 has become an essential part of any Scottish visit, guiding travellers through majestic mountains and along winding roads. It gained fame on Susan Calman's travel show and was crowned Britain's most beautiful road, typically taking about a week to fully explore. A favourite pit stop along the way is Ullapool, one of the largest villages in the Highlands, nestled amidst mountains just waiting to be scaled. Conde Nast Traveler hailed it as one of the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland in 2020. Their description summed up the place well: "With its jangling fishing boats and the imposing Caledonian MacBrayne ferry ready to whisk passengers off to the Outer Hebrides, there's a buzz of activity in Ullapool. "But take a moment to pause, perch on the wall in front of the white seafront cottages, and immerse yourself in the Highland hum. "Head straight for The Seafood Shack when lunchtime rolls around (the crispy lobster burger with guacamole and lemon sour cream is a must-try), before popping over to The Ceilidh Place opposite to see what local musicians they have lined up", reports the Scottish Daily Express. Ullapool, only reachable by car, is a mere hour's drive from Inverness along the breathtaking A835, part of the famed NC500 route. The village is nestled amidst rugged mountains including Bheinn Ghobhlach to the west, An Teallach to the southwest (both across the loch), Beinn Dearg to the southeast near Loch Broom's head, and Beinn Mhòr na Còigich to the north. The village also offers convenient transport links to destinations like the Isle of Skye, another must-visit spot in Scotland. Ullapool boasts a rich history, having been established as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, with its design credited to architect Thomas Telford. Telford, one of the world's most renowned civil engineers, was also responsible for projects, such as the town of Telford in Shropshire, the Broomielaw Bridge in Glasgow, and the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. His work significantly improved transport across the UK. Many of the buildings in Ullapool are centuries old, and a stroll through its streets reveals numerous historic houses from its fishing heritage and churches that have served as places of worship for generations. Notable sites include Ardmair beach and bay, where the smooth flat stones make for intriguing stone statues and skimming opportunities. Other attractions worth a visit include Rhue Point Lighthouse, which offers a delightful walk, particularly as the sun sets over the Summer Isles. Additionally, those journeying to and from Ullapool should make a point of visiting Corrieshalloch Falls, one of the world's most breathtaking gorges, sculpted over millions of years.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- 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.
