The Kintyre Forum

I was showing my kids photos of my childhood holidays in Islay and came across this one as we were waiting for the ferry. It actually made me feel sad for different reasons.Anyway, I figured it was a different place we got the ferry from compared to the one we've left from over the last 16 years? Would that be right?

The MacBraynes ferry used to run from West Loch Tarbert pier, in the days before the roll on/roll off Western Ferries terminal at Kennacraig. The pier was on the old road south of Tarbert (turn right at the hotel, it was just down the road a bit). I think the Western Ferries service started during the 60s, their first boat was the Sound of Jura, replaced by the Sound of Islay. The Sound of Jura then sailed between Islay and Jura.

Cars etc used to be lifted on to the MacBraynes ferry by crane. The boat was the Locheil, it sank in the 60s, was re-floated and I believe worked the route until 70 or 71, when competition from Western Ferries was too strong.

When was the photo taken?

Wow, thanks! I'm trying to put together a book of photos of my holidays as a child so this is useful. I reckon this must be about 1965 as I look about 9 in it. Would this bit of land here still be there so I can re-enact the photo with my kids?

omg..its Jack Nicholson

That's not very funny, Angus - that was the night he put the axe through the bathroom door!!!!!

Govangirl wrote:Would this bit of land here still be there so I can re-enact the photo with my kids?

I'd have thought so, GovanGirl. It's not far off the road anyhow so wouldn't be a long trek anyhow.
Oh, and you're showing your age. I wasn't born till '65.

Aye, Ah might be an auld ane but I could give any o' you young 'uns a good run fur yir money on a dance flair Beachcomber!!!

yir da or Mr N ??

They're the one and the same. I thought the ten years of counselling had wiped out the memory but you've brought it aw back! I'm sueing you!