Useful facts + excellent stories about Lochnevis off the isle of Muck

"Lochnevis" was such an unusual, innovative design & shape it was decided to fly Gordon Frickers to Glasgow and take him to the Ayrshire yard at Troon were "Lochnevis" was building, for a special inspection accompanied by her design team.

The managing director of Calmac & Gordon Frickers also sailed first on her delightful, diminutive predecessor "Lochmoor" on the Small Island route, from Malig to Skye, Muck, Rhum, Eigg, and Canna to prepare ideas and sketches the paintings.

"Lochmoor" was the size of a small tug or large yacht, with a crew of 3. Gordon said; "initially we missed her at the quay, it was low tide and while looking for "a ferry", we walked right past her!"

Standing on her tiny bridge chatting with her captain and the MD felt more like a day sailing with friends on their yacht, which belied the toughness of this little ferry as she served the Small Isles Route sometimes in very severe weather.

The island ports and quays were so small, Even for little Lochmoor docking was hazardous and in one case impossible, the Lochmoor unloaded into island boats.

Her captain said that in rough weather he knew it was time to change course when he heard the cook whose galley was directly below him, swearing!

The quays were to be upgraded with Scottish Office money.