MV Arran
Arran at Kyle of Lochalsh on a Mallaig sailing in 1979
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| History | |
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 United Kingdom
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| Name: | MV Arran |
| Namesake: | Isle of Arran |
| Operator: | Caledonian Steam Packet Company |
| Port of registry: | Glasgow, United Kingdom |
| Route: | 1953 – 1981: Clyde service |
| Builder: |
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| Cost: | £257,960 |
| Yard number: | 1470 |
| Launched: | 22 September 1953 |
| Sponsored by: | Mrs J L Harrington |
| In service: | 4 January 1954 |
| Out of service: | 19 July 1979 |
| Fate: | scrapped January 1993 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | 540 GT |
| Length: | 186 ft (57 m) |
| Beam: | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Draught: | 7.5 ft (2.3 m) |
| Installed power: | 2x Oil Atlas 2SCSA 6 cyl. 340 x 570mm |
| Propulsion: | twin screws and rudders |
| Speed: | 14 knots |
| Capacity: | 399 passengers; 30 cars |
MV Arran was a pioneering Clyde vehicle ferry introduced by Caledonian Steam Packet Company in 1953. She spent fifteen years on the Upper Clyde crossings, followed by five years at Islay. Initially hoist-loading, via side ramps, these were replaced by a stern ramp in 1973. During her final years with Calmac, she relieved across the network. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to turn her into a floating restaurant, before she was finally scrapped in 1993.
MV Arran was the first of a trio of vehicle vessels ordered in 1951 to modernise the Clyde fleet. Three "general purpose" vessels were planned for the Clyde routes of their names, Arran, MV Bute and MV Cowal. It rapidly became apparent that greater capacity was required in the summer and winter relief. MV Glen Sannox was launched in 1957. Built by William Denny, she was launched from their Dumbarton yard on 22 September 1953, the last Clyde vessel to be launched there. The previous Arran of 1933 was renamed Kildonan, to release the name - she was scrapped on arrival of MV Glen Sannox in 1957.
MV Arran's passenger accommodation consisted of a large lounge and a tearoom above, and a bar below, the car deck. The bridge was above the upper deck, allowing passengers unobstructed views forward. Officer and crew accommodation was below the bridge and at the stern. She was initially fitted with electric hoists and side-ramps to allow the loading of vehicles from conventional piers and at any state of tide. The 14-ton cargo lift had space for five average cars, which were turned on two 14-foot turntables on the lift and a further one at the front of the "garage". An aft cargo hold had two 7-ton derricks for cargo handling. These were removed in 1958 and the hold plated over, to provide additional car deck area.
In November 1969, she underwent a £40,000-refit at Lamont's. The tearoom was upgraded to a cafeteria/restaurant with a proper galley. The observation lounge was refurbished and additional crew cabins were provided. Watertight doors were fitted forward of the hoist and the side ramps were remodelled to better fit piers on her new service at Islay. She lost her Caley lions and was repainted in MacBrayne colours, although only briefly operated by that company.
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Wikipedia