MV Loch Linnhe

MV Loch Linnhe is a Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited ro-ro car ferry, built in 1986 and operated by Caledonian MacBrayne After over ten years at Largs, she was the summer vessel on the Tobermory–Kilchoan crossing from 1999 to 2017.

History

MV Loch Linnhe was the second of four drive-through ferries built in the 1980s by Dunston's of Hessle, to cope with increasing traffic on CalMac's smaller routes.

Layout

The four vessels are based on the design of. They have a second passenger lounge, on the port side, reducing the capacity of the car deck to 12. The wheelhouse is painted red and given a black top, as she has no funnels as such.

Service

MV Loch Linnhe replaced on the Lochaline–Fishnish crossing in July 1986. After one month, she moved to the
Largs–Great Cumbrae crossing, in place of, She operated this crossing with her sister ship, for eleven years, until 1997, when Loch Striven was replaced by another sister,.
In 1998, after an earlier winter season on the service, Loch Linnhe moved to the Tarbert–Portavadie crossing, previously operated in the summer by and then. In early 1999 she was replaced by and became the summer vessel on the Tobermory–Kilchoan crossing. In the winter seasons, she is usually relieved by for overhaul at Ardmaleish, followed by relief duties. She has seen relief service at Raasay, Iona, Gigha, Eriskay, Fishnish, Lochaline, Lochranza, Lismore and Bute.
In Summer 2017, in response to rising vehicle traffic, Loch Linnhe was displaced on the Tobermory to Kilchoan route by, herself displaced from the Lochranza to Claonaig service by MV Catriona. Loch Linnhe became a spare/relief vessel.
In June 2024, Loch Linnhe was redeployed to the Tobermory - Kilchoan route to cover for Loch Tarbert, which was required to operate on a less exposed route due to technical problems.