Black and white photograph of the raising of the `Loch Seaforth` in 1973.
The giant floating crane `Magnus III` raising the ferry `Loch Seaforth` from beside Gott Bay pier in 1973. On 22nd March the `Loch Seaforth` ran aground on Cleit Rock in the Sound of Gunna. Three lifeboats were launched which reached the Tiree shores. After being refloated, the ferry was towed to Gott Bay for inspection, was pumped but next day shipped more water and blocked the pier. On 11th May the `Magnus III` arrived and lifted the `Loch Seaforth` and moved her to the beach. She was patched and refloated then towed to Troon where she was scrapped. (Information from `West Highland Steamers`, 2002.133.8)
Photograph of the giant floating crane ‘Magnus III’ raising the ferry ‘Loch Seaforth’ at Gott Bay pier in 1973.
Courtesy of Mr Angus MacLean
In March 1973 the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry ‘Loch Seaforth’ ran aground in the Sound of Gunna. The passengers and crew were taken ashore by three lifeboats, two of which were towed by fishing boats.
After being refloated, the ferry was towed to Gott Bay for inspection, was pumped but continued to ship water and sank the next day, blocking the pier. The ‘Claymore’ came out of retirement and maintained the service assisted by one of the Iona motor ferry boats.
In May the giant floating crane ‘Magnus III’ arrived, lifted the ‘Loch Seaforth’ and moved her to the beach below the Lodge Hotel. She was patched and refloated then towed to Troon where she was scrapped.
Black and white photograph of the raising of the `Loch Seaforth` in 1973.
The giant floating crane `Magnus III` raising the ferry `Loch Seaforth` which sank beside Gott Bay pier in 1973.
Local news including the mains supply, pedestrian access to the pier, nursing beds at Taigh a` Ruadh, obituary for and poem by Rev Hector MacPherson (minister on Tiree 1973-8), article in Gaelic by Neil Brownlie, news from WRI, the hall committee, the football club, the churches, Tiree Association, the school and Tiree Agricultural Society.
Local news including the need for a pedestrian walkway at the pier, the lack of support for the hall, a letter from Sandy MacKinnon and an article about gardening by Brian Findlater.
Local news including concerns over the state of the pierhead, dental hygiene in Argyll, Moss – part 3 by Sandy MacKinnon, lamb and cattle sales, Tiree entrants to the Mod, and news from the gardening and regatta clubs.
