Indoor Ferry

I was at Ardmaleish Boatyard on Bute this morning talking to the owner Stan Ferguson and his son about the range of work they do and the opportunities for the future in which they are investing, including a new , larger , slipway.

I had been at the yard a couple of times before. Not only is it a big employer on Bute but it provides a unique service on the Clyde. Cal Mac's Loch Riddon is presently there or its annual refit and the Tarbert ferry has just left. Highland Council's Corran ferry, which has just been refitted, is presently tied up at Rothesay pier awaiting its MCS "all clear" before going back to its route.

It is very striking to see such vessels high and dry, inside a shed, being worked on in every part to make them safe and secure for the thousands of passengers and vehicles that use them each year.