BLUEMOMENT

Looks like the pier will be open in spring 2020 for cruise liners. The opening time is based on a note stuck to the gate, the plans for the cruise liners is based on a blether. It would be nice to think that the pier will be opening again.

I see the 'VItal Spark', ex Eilean Easdale, ex Vic 72 is for sale. It would be great to see this going again, comment in The TImes newspaper non the less!

That aside, it would be great for the town if the pier gets a make over and is open again to visitors.

How are they going to get a fecking cruise liner past the Minard Narrows?

Not sure how a "liner" is defined, but they could certainly get cruise ships like the Majestic Line ships and larger on either side of Sgeir na Eireannach. Pretty deep water and a fair bit of space as I recall, but perhaps not for the Cunard liners..... Anyway they take the Lord of the Glens through the Caledonian Canal, Minard Narrows would be a dawdle.

Bodach na mara wrote:How are they going to get a fecking cruise liner past the Minard Narrows?

Think "Majestic Line" the wee cruise boats maybe.

Might get Hebridean Princess if they are being bold? There was a Glasgow - Inverary steamer service more than a century ago so why not- it is buoyed.

Nothing much larger in the "cruise" league I imagine....

There used to be some smaller cruise ships stopping at Inveraray

I wonder if the Vital Spark has been sold. The for sale sign is gone and a new coat of paint is being applied.

Of course sailing or towing it to a yard and lifting it out the water would be a sign of a serious attempt at repair and refurbishment.

Yes I understand the Vital spark has been sold, and is to be refurbed/restored.

stevepick wrote: ↑Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:56 pm Yes I understand the Vital spark has been sold, and is to be refurbed/restored.

That is good news. I wish the new owner the best of luck; it's a big undertaking.

I heard that the objective is to tart up the hold, currently being shot blasted, then fit a gin still, distill gin, sell to public. Seriously, not a wind up. Welder will repair some plates.

Interesting concept. Also, Covid debuted repairs to pier, but still on the cards to be repaired.

Hope it all comes to fruition.

A floating gin mill? I like it.

You need FB for this link to see the picture:-

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7JvYFa ... tid=K35XfP

This is the Arctic Penguin now called BRITTON moored in Caernarfon. Work is under way to make her into a small 6 cabin (plus crew) cruiser. We have kept her character and inside late Victorian style suits her riveted hull.

Nice to see the Penguin surviving.

A video https://www.facebook.com/share/v/gyYxyU ... tid=K35XfP

Exciting news to be announced soon!

I remember the Arctic Penguin from when she was on the beach at Blairmore for ages.

A bit stoopid to name a fine vessel after a sinking ship….

Inveraray pier have installed shore power points for when boats are allowed to tie up. Also new ladders installed. It is still closed to the public but looks like stuff is moving forward for a public opening.