I love Caledonian Macbraine ferries, the name and the journeys. When we had our holiday on Skye we went there and back on one just for the ride. Cyberspouse had a colleague at Heathrow who used to take his annual holiday in Oban so he could watch the ferries!
We’ve always been lucky with the ferry but I have a feeling if I was living on the islands I might have a more jaundiced view. This morning I was reading in the paper about CalMac cancelling a ferry to Tiree because of engine trouble. This meant a 50-strong group of tourists from Iceland couldn’t visit as planned – and apart from their diappointment it meant the hotels, b&bs had empty rooms and restaurants/cafes losing out. They desperately need new ferries but it sounds like that has been postponed. But, yes, I do enjoy travelling on them and watching them come and go.
It’s a beautiful island, Lea. It’s often described as Scotland in miniature. We were there for a week (and have been before) but could have done with another week as there’s still so much more we want to see and do.
It is gorgeous and must really get those creative juices flowing. Perhaps that means we can look forward to another post on it? Thank you. Perhaps one day…
I went there once, with my parents. I think I was 11, maybe 12. (So 1963) I was nervous of the ferry, in case I was seasick, and the weather was terrible, despite being the summer holidays. We stayed in a B&B, and the old lady running it was very fierce. So that’s more or less all I remember. Being out in the rain, and intimidated by the grumpy lady on return to the room. 🙂
Nice to see it in a better light in your photos, Mary.
Best wishes, Pete.
Oh, Pete, I am sorry about your experience of Arran – but I did laugh. Not surprised you’ve never been back, though I hope you might consider it now you’ve seen how lovely it is. We stayed in a self-catering but I’m sure B&B landladies are not so grumpy nowadays 🙂
Mary Smith's Place 
How beautiful!
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It is a beautiful place, Sue – and completely littered with burial cairns and standing stones. More to follow.
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Oh I know…I have long wanted to go there, Mary! I’ll look forward to seeing more 🙂
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I love Caledonian Macbraine ferries, the name and the journeys. When we had our holiday on Skye we went there and back on one just for the ride. Cyberspouse had a colleague at Heathrow who used to take his annual holiday in Oban so he could watch the ferries!
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We’ve always been lucky with the ferry but I have a feeling if I was living on the islands I might have a more jaundiced view. This morning I was reading in the paper about CalMac cancelling a ferry to Tiree because of engine trouble. This meant a 50-strong group of tourists from Iceland couldn’t visit as planned – and apart from their diappointment it meant the hotels, b&bs had empty rooms and restaurants/cafes losing out. They desperately need new ferries but it sounds like that has been postponed. But, yes, I do enjoy travelling on them and watching them come and go.
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Inspirational, and most likely, addictive. Mary, it is stunning.
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It’s a beautiful island, Lea. It’s often described as Scotland in miniature. We were there for a week (and have been before) but could have done with another week as there’s still so much more we want to see and do.
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It is gorgeous and must really get those creative juices flowing. Perhaps that means we can look forward to another post on it? Thank you. Perhaps one day…
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Definitely another post coming soon 🙂
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I shall look forward to it. 🙂
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So beautiful, Mary.
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It really is, Cathy.
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Lovely.. Makes me want to pack the knapsack and head off now.
Regards Thom
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Thanks, Thom. It’s a great place. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
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I went there once, with my parents. I think I was 11, maybe 12. (So 1963) I was nervous of the ferry, in case I was seasick, and the weather was terrible, despite being the summer holidays. We stayed in a B&B, and the old lady running it was very fierce. So that’s more or less all I remember. Being out in the rain, and intimidated by the grumpy lady on return to the room. 🙂
Nice to see it in a better light in your photos, Mary.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh, Pete, I am sorry about your experience of Arran – but I did laugh. Not surprised you’ve never been back, though I hope you might consider it now you’ve seen how lovely it is. We stayed in a self-catering but I’m sure B&B landladies are not so grumpy nowadays 🙂
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It was a long time ago. I have forgiven Arran! 🙂
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So relaxing just watching these beautiful sights, Mary. Thank you for posting.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Pat. It’s a really lovely island. We did a lot of walking during the day taking in some amazing views.
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Love number three, Mary.
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Thanks, Lynn. There were two couples just a few yards in front of us and they were taking photos so the birds were posing for them! 🙂
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