MV Eilean Dhiura

MV Eilean Dhiura is a vehicle ferry operating across the Sound of Islay.

MV Eilean Dhiura
History
United Kingdom
Name: MV Eilean Dhiura
Namesake: Jura
Owner: Argyll and Bute Council
Operator: ASP Ship Management Ltd
Route: Port Askaig to Feolin
Builder: McTay Marine, Bromborough, River Mersey
Yard number: 121
In service: 1998
Identification:
Status: in service
General characteristics
Class and type: vehicle ferry
Tonnage: 86 GT[2] 50 DWT

History

Eilean Dhiura was commissioned by Argyll and Bute Council in 1998,[3] to replace Western Ferries' MV Sound of Gigha as the Jura Ferry.[4] She was operated initially by Serco Denholm until 2003,[5] now by ASP Ship Management Ltd.[3]

In December 2000, her bow ramp collapsed while at sea.[6] Following this, the MCA required a secondary door to be fitted behind the bow door. A bid by the council for money to replace her was unsuccessful.[7] A new bow ramp was fitted in 2002.

Layout

Eilean Dhiura is an open landing craft type ferry, with bow and stern ramps. Her slim bridge allows vehicles to drive through. A small enclosed cabin provides shelter for passengers as does a bus shelter forward of the wheelhouse.

Service

Eilean Dhiura is the Feolin Ferry, providing the main access to Jura. Islay is connected to the Scottish mainland by a CalMac ferry from Kennacraig. Daily, she crosses the 800 yards (700 metres) between Port Askaig on Islay and Feolin. During her overhaul, early in the year, the service is provided by a chartered vessel, commonly CalMac's MV Eigg or since 2007 MV Margaret Sinclair belonging to Inverlussa Shellfish Ltd of Mull.

References
  1. "Eilean Dhiura". Shipping Data. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  2. "Eilean Dhiura". ShipPhotos. Archived from the original on 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  3. "Jura Ferry". Isle Islay. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  4. Iain Murray. "Caledonian MacBrayne - Former Vessels (and other steamers)". Archived from the original on 26 May 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  5. "Eilean Dhiura". Clydesights. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  6. Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2001, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club
  7. Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2002, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club
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