MV Chieftain

MV Seabus was built in Cornwall, in 2007, as a 'dedicated' passenger ferry to replace the 71-year-old MV Kenilworth on the service between Gourock, Kilcreggan and Helensburgh, across the Firth of Clyde (Tail of the Bank).[1] Owned by Clyde Marine, Seabus operated the main ferry service to Kicreggan, with crossings of Gare Loch to Helensburgh, for the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) who subsidised the route, and was painted in the STP carmine and cream livery.

On re-tendering, the Helensburgh part of the then 'triangular' route ceased and the contract for the Gourock - Kilcreggan service was awarded to Clydelink. To operate the route, Clydelink bought the smaller MV Island Princess from Lymington, which had been a harbour excursion vessel, and commenced service on 1 April 2012.[3] The change was unpopular with a loss of jobs.[4]

The hull of Seabus was painted dark blue to match Clyde Marine livery, then in 2014 it was renamed Chieftain. [5] It carried out work for hire in the Highlands, including parts of the Caledonian Canal, and on the Firth of Forth.[6]

Clydelink were unreliable. Their contract was terminated early and the work awarded to Clyde Marine,[7] who resumed the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service on 14 May 2018 with Chieftain.[8] After negotiations, CalMac took over the contract from 1 June 2020, leasing Chieftain from Clyde Marine and giving crew the option of transferring to the new operator.[9]

Chieftain in Clyde Marine livery, with improved seating on the top deck, back on the route in May 2018.

MV Seabus brought a greater degree of comfort and safety to the route with a sealed and heated passenger cabin. Larger, roomier and more comfortable than her predecessor, she has better facilities for people with mobility problems.[1]

• Gourock – Kilcreggan – Helensburgh service on the Firth of Clyde and the Gare Loch (Helensburgh service discontinued by 2018).