MV Clansman in Stornoway 1973

Launched in 1964, the earlier MV Clansman was a significant and innovative vessel in the history of Scottish ferry services. Serving with David MacBrayne Ltd—and later Caledonian MacBrayne—until the mid-1980s, this version of the Clansman played a vital role in connecting mainland Scotland with the Inner and Outer Hebrides during a transformative period in ferry design and island transport.

An Unusual Design for Unusual Times

Built by Hall, Russell & Company in Aberdeen, the Clansman was one of three virtually identical hoist-loading car ferries constructed for MacBrayne services in the 1960s. She was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Scotland and represented a major upgrade in island transport, at a time when car ownership was increasing and ferry infrastructure was still developing.

Measuring 239 feet in length and powered by twin diesel engines, Clansman was equipped with a central hoist and side ramps, allowing cars to be loaded even at piers without linkspans. Once hoisted aboard, cars were moved into place using turntables—a time-consuming but necessary solution before roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) loading became standard.

Unusually, Clansman was designed with Cold War contingency in mind. She featured special fittings that allowed her to be sealed in the event of nuclear contamination, including watertight hatches, external pre-wetting sprays, and internal decontamination zones. These features earned her the nickname of a “secret ship,” though she was ultimately used only for civilian ferry work.

Early Years: Serving the Western Isles

The Clansman entered service in the summer of 1964 on the Mallaig–Armadale (Skye) route, one of the key short sea crossings in the Highlands. She also served longer routes to the Outer Hebrides, including Castlebay (Barra) and Lochboisdale (South Uist), particularly during the summer seasons.

At the height of her early career, the Clansman was carrying over 23,000 vehicles and more than 100,000 passengers in a single summer. She was also occasionally used on Clyde routes for relief work and had the rare distinction of touring the UK in 1969 as part of a promotional exhibition, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.

Conversion to Drive-Through Ferry

By the early 1970s, hoist-loading vessels like the Clansman were rapidly becoming outdated. In 1972, she was sent to Troon for a major rebuild. A 36-foot extension was added to lengthen the ship and allow for drive-through loading, with new bow and stern ramps replacing the cumbersome hoist system. Twin rudders, a bow thruster, and improved passenger accommodation were also fitted, although her original engines remained.

After her conversion, she resumed service on more demanding routes such as Ullapool–Stornoway, which linked the Outer Hebrides to the mainland. While the drive-through design made loading much faster and more efficient, the ship’s aging machinery began to show its limits. Mechanical issues and breakdowns became more frequent, especially by the late 1970s.

Decline and Final Years

The Clansman was gradually phased out of regular CalMac service during the early 1980s, replaced by newer, more reliable Ro-Ro ferries. She was sold in 1984 and went through several name changes—including Tamira, Al Hussen, and Al Rasheed—as she was repurposed for commercial use in the Middle East.

Eventually, after years of service far from Scottish waters, the ship was scrapped in 2010, bringing to an end the life of a vessel that had once been on the cutting edge of Highland and Island ferry transport.