Caledonian MacBrayne serve the islands on the Firth of Clyde and the Western Isles of Scotland. Two services between mainland ports across the Firth of Clyde and Loch Fyne are also operated.
This map shows Caledonian MacBrayne's current principal services. Route numbers correspond to Caledonian MacBrayne timetable numbers. See official CalMac web site for more complete route information and current timetables.
The pier at Gourock is somewhat run down (most being original from 1889). It is owned by Caledonian MacBrayne, who unfortunately only maintain the part which is the current ferry terminal itself. The remainder is officially closed to the public, and part of the pier buildings at the west end have been demolished (the remaining buildings form Gourock station). The photo shows the main part of the pier in 1996, with the ferry terminal beyond and Saturn behind. Most of the wooden pier structure in the foreground has since been demolished.
In contrast, Dunoon pier across the river was extensively refurbished by Strathclyde Regional Council (now owned by Argyll & Bute Council) in recent years, and is similar to its appearance in its heyday - the pier celebrated its 100th birthday in 1998. The photo shows the whole pier, with the linkspan to the right. The Jupiter's funnel is on the left.
This picture, taken from the Lyle Hill, shows the Saturn performing its spectacular "handbrake turn" into Gourock Pier. She has just sailed in from the left round the pierhead, and spins 180o on the spot before backing up to the linkspan.
An unusual shot of the Largs-Cumbrae Slip ferry, taken from an aircraft departing from Glasgow Airport! Cumbrae is to the left, with Largs on the right. One of the Loch sisters is mid-channel, with another at the Largs slipway behind the L-shaped stone pier.
Go to the Caledonian MacBrayne unofficial web page or the Caledonian MacBrayne official web page
Go to Iain Murray's home page or send me an e-mail
Go to the Applied Computing home page
Go to the University of Dundee home page