Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Arran Sailings Confusion

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 3rd April 1970

ARRAN SAILINGS CONFUSION

DAY TRIPS STILL POSSIBLE SAY COMPANY

Assurances have been given by the Caledonian Steam Packet Company that the necessity for embarkation tickets on the Ardrossan to Arran steamers on more occasions than previously will not eliminate casual travellers. But it still looks as if local day-trippers may suffer sometimes because of the need to make bookings for certain sailings.

The introduction of more embarkation tickets on the route is not the only innovation. The ?GLEN SANNOX?, which has operated between Ardrossan and Arran for over 10 years will be replaced this season by the new drive on drive off ferry ?STENA BALTICA?, which cost ?600,000 and which is to be renamed.

A spokesman for the company said that no date had been set for the ?STENA BALTICA?s? introduction to the Arran run because she is still in dry dock at Troon and has not yet received a Board of Trade certificate.

Only 90

The ?BALTICA? is scheduled to make 1,500 crossings between Ardrossan and Brodick this year. But only 90 of these crossings will be controlled. Embarkation tickets will be essential for any controlled crossings.

The company say that the reason for the issue of embarkation tickets is because of the great demand for bookings during summer peak periods. The demand will be greatest during the Glasgow Fair period, the company feel, when these tickets will be used to ease holiday congestion on the steamer.

They add that if there are any cancellations during the peak holiday periods holidaymakers without an embarkation ticket will be allowed to travel on the ferry. But they stress that passengers holding embarkation tickets would receive priority.

The company also stated that even when the Ardrossan ferry is fully booked trippers will be able to travel to Arran from Fairlie, where there will still be a regular service to the island.

The number of passengers which the ?BALTICA? will carry on each trip has yet to be decided by the Board of Trade. The ?GLEN SANNOX? is equipped to carry over 1,000

Busy Weekend

Despite the poor weather over the Easter Weekend holidaymakers flocked to the island and on Friday and Saturday the ?GLEN SANNOX? carried a full complement of passengers to the island. Although the steamer, which is to go into service on the upper reaches of the Clyde after the introduction of the ?BALTICA?, has been fitted with a new stern loading system, this is not yet in use. On Friday cars and other vehicles were taken on board by the side loading arrangement.

Scribe Tango