Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne will tonight (Wednesday, October 19) present the Trustees of Stornoway’s new arts facility An Lanntair with a special memento of the service given to the islands by one of the company‘s best loved ships, the Loch Seaforth.

The original name-plate of the vessel, which has been discovered in the Company’s Support Services headquarters in Gourock has been mounted on a plaque and will be presented to An Lanntair’s Chairman Dr John Smith at the Royal National Mod Dinner in Stornoway tonight.

The plaque will be handed over by Lawrie Sinclair, Managing Director of CalMac, before being hung in the bar of the new facility. Mr. Sinclair said: “In many ways we are returning the plate back home as the ship was held in such great esteem and affection by the people of the Western Isles. I am sure that the plate’s presence in the Lanntair will provoke many a yarn and we are delighted that we are able to offer it to the Lanntair as it beams its light on the Minch.”

In the words of writer John Macleod, Loch Seaforth was “the greatest of the motor-driven mailboats built for David MacBrayne Ltd. For a quarter-century she sailed from Stornoway to Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh. She is still fondly remembered for the reliability of her service and the wit and warmth of her crew. But for the car ferry revolution, she might have lasted many years longer, only one of her successors has matched her for her faithfulness, and none in Lewis esteem.”

Loch Seaforth was, in fact, the last and long-overdue of the two new ships MacBraynes committed themselves to build in return for 1938 renewal of the mail contract. Plans were drafted and in February 1945 the Provost of Stornoway allowed he was rather impressed with them. It was for the Mallaig-Kyle-Stornoway route the new vessel was earmarked.   The new ship was finally ordered, from the reliable Denny's of Dumbarton yard, later that year and it was 19th May, 1947 before the new Stornoway steamer was launched. Thus, to the musical accompaniment of two pipers, Loch Seaforth was floated out.

Perhaps the most striking new feature on the ship was a “quasi-figurehead” on her bows – the MacBrayne Highlander, which would survive in advertising and publicity till the advent of CalMac. A magnificent model of Loch Seaforth may be seen to this day at Museum nan Eilean on Francis Street, Stornoway.

Loch Seaforth remained in CalMac’s service until 1973 until she ran aground off Tiree and was sent to be broken up in Troon. 

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued:  Wednesday March 19,  2005  : 1100