LORD OF THE ISLES
ON BOARD • LORD OF THE ISLES
Lord of the Isles is probably the most well travelled car ferry in the Caledonian Mac Brayne fleet. Originally built for the long-haul sailings from Oban to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, she has made herself a second home at Mallaig in recent years, providing a year-round lifeline service from Mallaig to Lochboisdale, and becoming a favourite revered by crews, islanders and enthusiasts alike, and known affectionately as ‘LOTI’.
BUILT 1989, Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow, yard no.573
◼ Lord of the Isles is a cross between Isle of Mull (forward end) and Hebridean Isles (aft end), thanks to her hoist and side ramps, which are rarely used nowadays. Measuring 84.6m in length, she can berth at all the major ports on the network.
The sailings from Oban to islands such as Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist and Colonsay were originally provided by old-style mailboats. Two ships, both named Claymore and built in 1955 and 1978 respectively, made their reputation on the routes during long careers with David MacBrayne and CalMac, while Tobermory, Mull was associated for many years with the Coll/Tiree schedule. Towards the end of the 1980s, with the drivethrough revolution on the west coast taking hold, it was time for aat change.