The Loch Alainn
The Loch Alainn is a roro car ferry that is currntly owned and operated by the Scottish ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne. She was built in 1997 by Herd and McKenzie Shipbuilders, UK for the company, intended to srve the newly proposed Fishnish-Lochaline, however she entered service briefly on the Rhubodach-Colintraive route, replacing the Loch Riddon. Not long later, she moved to her intended route, the Lochaline-Fishnish route. Just a few weeks into service, the vessel suffered a major engine failure. She did not return to the Fishnish-Lochaline route, and she was replaced by the Loch Fyne. She was repaired and entered service on the Largs route, in 1999, she lost power again and drifted into the slipway at Largs. The ship sustained major damage and was taken out of service again to be repaired. She re-entered service and stayed on the route until mid 2007 where she was replaced by the newly built Loch Shira. The Loch Alainn moved to her current route, the Ardmore-Eriskay service, replacing the Loch Bhrusda. Her facilities include a passenger lounge and a large open deck area accessible to passengers. She can accommodate approximately 150 passengers and can carry a maximum of 20 vehicles. Her current port of registry is Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.