Strome Ferry (No Ferry)

[ghiribizzo]

Those of you that know the roads around Plockton / Strathcarron / Applecross may be aware that the 'bypass' for Stromeferry had yet another landslide at the end of December and the road is still shut. They've removed thousands of tons of rock but it's still shut as they're afraid more landslides will occur.
The classic road signs are the pair North and South that say STROME FERRY (no ferry). The Ferry stopped in 1970
Tomorrow they are going to trial the turntable ferry that normally does the summer run between Glenelg and Skye. The ferries that were on the Strome Ferry route sank years ago and are wrecked on the beaches nearby.
Any one in the area? Get some pics of a GS/GSA on it?
They last used the ferry route in 2008 again as a temporary measure. Schoolchildren are going to be taken to Plockton by passenger ferry from North Strome.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24718842@N04/3313188564/" title="Strome Ferry by Neil F King, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3649/3313188564_c6ec155247.jpg" width="500" height="330" alt="Strome Ferry"></a>

 

[Coolcarbon]

Could be a nice little earner until April Fools day...

 

[gerarddwatts]

Was on the ferry from Khylerea to Glenelg last summer........remember that day?
Boy called Donovan runs it.
Have to be quite highly qualified to skipper it due to the fierce currents between Skye and mainland. Good earner if it gives them some cooncil cash til the season starts!

 

[ghiribizzo]

Yes - been on that run a few times. Fun when everyone has to go to one end when a HD wants on...
It's the last turntable Ferry of that type still running. Good to see it still earning.

 

[Ian M]

I saw the report on the BBC news web site and confess that I did seriously think about a weekend dash up north and back for another trip across the Strome Ferry. We’ll see how long it lasts before the road reopens. If it closed in 1970, then I guess I last went across on the ferry in my Dad’s Rover P6. Happy memories! I remember the Ballachulish & Kylesku ferries too……

 

[arcboutant]

Glenelg ferry ............................

only way to cross to Eilean a' Cheo

BUT

NEED the bridge to get of quick after that BORING run from Broadford

 

[ghiribizzo]

Another turntable ferry that's moved on. New replacement ferry runs in the summer, May - September. This one's gone to Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghiribizzo/2163352423/" title="Pilgrim's Progress by Ghiribizzo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2308/2163352423_485249c019.jpg" width="500" height="305" alt="Pilgrim's Progress"></a>

 

[von K]

....
It's the last turntable Ferry of that type still running. Good to see it still earning.

I'm not sure about that, the Nigg ferry is turntable (and looks like it was used in the Gallipoli landings).

But it's been two years since I was last on it - so maybe it has been replaced now?

 

[boatman]

It HAS been replaced by a similar newer more modern version which is now in service. (I didnt get to build it couldn,t agree on ye £)

 

[G.C.]

Its the Glenachulish ferry that has been in service at Glenelg.
That's the ferry that was in service at Ballachullish until 1975, before the bridge went up.
It ran dawn till dusk, had to go back round the Kinlochleven loop if you missed it, added at least an hour to the trip home back then.
Boatman, how long do these ferries last ?
Pal of mine ran the Strome Ferry Hotel in 1980something, had some good nights there

 

[von K]

Cheers, Boatman. And for some reason i didn't pick up on the fact that the above photie had 'Cromarty Rose' written on it...bit of a clue there..

I'd guess it's gone to W-S-M if it's running out to Steep Holm, could be interesting in a big Brizzle Channel spring tide.....it'll fly in bits if they open the throttle....

 

[boatman]

Its the Glenachulish ferry that has been in service at Glenelg.
That's the ferry that was in service at Ballachullish until 1975, before the bridge went up.
It ran dawn till dusk, had to go back round the Kinlochleven loop if you missed it, added at least an hour to the trip home back then.
Boatman, how long do these ferries last ?
Pal of mine ran the Strome Ferry Hotel in 1980something, had some good nights there

Aye GC how long most boats last is really down to how much maintainance is properly done during the whole life of the vessel
I think these were old wooden hulled boats , so it could be made to last a long time!!!! wi any reasonable looking after (Nelsons ship is still floating)