April 7 marks the 40th anniversary of the ferry ‘Isle of Cumbrae’ entering service between Largs and Cumbrae.
For the first time it was possible to take a vehicle to the island without having to reverse on or off the ferry. ‘Isle of Cumbrae’ was the first of Caledonian MacBrayne’s smaller vessels to allow roll-on, roll-off and worked at Largs until 1986.
Since then she has been used at various other places, but has returned to Largs from time to time.
Last Wednesday, she came out of winter lay up in Holy Loch and called briefly at Largs en route to take up service for another season at Tarbert (Loch Fyne).
At present, the route utilises two ferries - the MV Loch Shira and the Loch Alainn.
There is old colour footage on a Millport DVD showing when Cumbrae Ferry slip was built, and cars had to reverse on to the ferries in the early 1970s.
Thanks to Greg Beecroft for the photo and information.
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