Memories of Arran ferry
The previous MV Glen Sannox was a Clyde-built car ferry constructed by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company in Troon and launched in 1957.
It is fondly remembered by many Arran residents as the ferry which they recall from their youth.
It was the first purpose-build car ferry on the route and served on the Arran route for 14 years before continuing her life operating various Clyde and West Highland routes until 1989 when she was sold and taken to serve on the Red Sea.
In 2000 she ran aground south of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and was subsequently scrapped. While fondly remembered by some, it was not fully roll on, roll off. Instead cars were taken on and off the car deck by means of a lift, which meant longer loading and unloading times and frequent delays.
MV Glen Sannox was the main ferry on the Ardrossan, Brodick, Fairlie route and on her introduction she increased the service from two daily return trips to four, berthing overnight at Brodick and using Ardrossan as the main port.
On Saturdays, until 1964, she was assisted by the Ayr excursion steamer PS Caledonia. Because she was never fitted with stabilizers she could be lively in exposed conditions. Forward on the promenade deck, below the bridge, was a spacious observation lounge and the clubhouse containing officers’ quarters and an exclusive lounge for Arran landlords. The vessel had a capacity of 1,100 passengers and 55 cars.
On Saturday April 8 1989, 813 people crowded the decks of the MV Glen Sannox as she sailed her farewell cruise from Brodick to Gourock. First in the queue was Ian Parker of Lamlash who said at the time: ‘She was always admired as a useful steamer because of her large passenger capacity.
‘She was advanced for her time, being a side-loading ferry, and she was the last ship built for the Caledonian Steam Packet company.’