Builders: William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton 1931
Propulsion type: Twin screw motor vessel
Owners: David MacBrayne Ltd
Service dates: 1931 - 1969
Tonnage: Gross 754
Comments:
Lochfyne was the first new excursion ship to enter the West Highland waters for 21 years when she was launched on 20 March 1931. Her service speed was 16.5 knots and she could carry over 1200 passengers on a "Steam 5" passenger certificate. The forward of her two funnels (which looked rather too squat for my liking) was a dummy and she originally had a single mast (as shown here) with a mainmast added in 1953. Powered by two five cylinder diesel engines she was very economical, but unfortunately suffered from vibration throughout her working life. Originally she sailed in the summer on the Oban to Staffa and Iona cruise and on the Ardrishaig mail service in the winter, which routes mirrored the old Grenadier's schedule. From 1936 she was on the Fort William service in the summer, although she later sailed on the Clyde. Her passenger accommodation included a saloon in the observation shelter, which had a soda fountain and bookstall for passengers use. The dining saloon was on the main deck and due to her steam heating throughout the ship it was said that "a more comfortable winter vessel -apart from the vibration- would be hard to find." She was withdrawn from service in 1969 but not broken up until 1974, at Dalmuir.
This lovely picture of Lochfyne has been sent to me by Bill Jardine, Editor, Holderness Gazette, East Yorkshire - late second cook, PS Waverley, 1977. It shows Lochfyne leaving Dunoon in 1961 and I am grateful to Bill for allowing me to show the picture here.