Excellent video. I have some relatives living in Scotland and when visiting them as a boy, I always remember seeing the Stranraer Boat train running from Glasgow Central to Stranraer when it passed through Paisley Gilmour Street. I remember the train had special livery coaches which were red and blue with "Sealink" branding on the side. Happy memories!
@craig.bryantКүн бұрын
Just reading this comment having been in Glasgow Central and Paisley Gilmour Street in the past 30 mins!! Glad it brought back good memories 😊
@ThamesShips2 күн бұрын
Excellent and interesting video. 👍
@craig.bryantКүн бұрын
Thanks mate!
@cathm6523 күн бұрын
Hey I had towel roll in my premium plus room.
@cathm6523 күн бұрын
I just stayed at the Premier Inn Paddington last weekend - plus room - great location - right at the new Paddington basin. I paid £145/night. In September we’re going to the Oban 1- standard room £130/night.
@craig.bryant3 күн бұрын
Have a great time in Oban!
@user-di3lr5po3m6 күн бұрын
Ferry still out of service for extensive double bottom ballast tank repairs.
@craig.bryant6 күн бұрын
It’s been a very long time sadly, Glen Sannox cannot come fast enough for the residents of Arran
@sscfc110 күн бұрын
Love Oban
@craig.bryant9 күн бұрын
Me too!
@alecporter178420 күн бұрын
Great vlog thanks for sharing, never knew it existed.
@craig.bryant20 күн бұрын
Thank you Alec!
@collachsyoutubechannel20 күн бұрын
Craig, Once again your sheer ferry enthusiasm is a joy to watch - It was unfortunate regarding the mic probs and the wind noise but still a great well presented video even without your beautiful co pilot Rachel - Personally I have quite often done videos for my own You tube channel which have in some cases been destroyed by wind noise - It is great to have a live commentary on your videos as I feel the often seen musical overlay tells you nothing about where you are or any landmarks you pass. - I have always added a live commentary to my own videos - Kind regards to yourself & Rachel GOD bless --- Robert.
@craig.bryant20 күн бұрын
Thank you Robert for taking the time to write this comment! Mics are a nightmare and especially need to be reliable, I agree on music too - I don’t like adding it myself! All the best 😊
@kyleadair121 күн бұрын
Great video Craig, well timed with the seatruck performer
@craig.bryant20 күн бұрын
Cheers Kyle, totally unplanned!
@JohnDurkin-mh4wn23 күн бұрын
Travelling across first time next week this has been great to see hopefully everything goes smoothly thank you for posting
@craig.bryant23 күн бұрын
Thank you John, have a great sailing!
@shreeyashgujarАй бұрын
During security checking what documents are mandatory?
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
Technically photo ID is required (passport or Drivers License) however it’s rarely asked for as it’s an internal UK ferry
@noramcginty544Ай бұрын
Thanks so much for was brilliant to watch 🎉enjoy 😊
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
Thank you Nora, glad you enjoyed it! 😊
@mtchamberlinАй бұрын
A newcastle lad CalMac fan I’m not the only one 😂 will keep watching your vids
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
Thanks very much mate! In my next video I actually spot someone at the ferry terminal in a Newcastle top - was it you 😆
@mtchamberlinАй бұрын
@@craig.bryant not this time but at some point maybe, over 20 island routes done and still counting!
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
@@mtchamberlin that’s great, more than me!
@Trond_travelsАй бұрын
I remember MV Utne, and was surprised when it was sold so soon after being built. But MV Utne was too small for the Utne-Kvandal route (in Hardangerfjorden, east of Bergen). It was replaced by a larger ferry called Utnefjord. Yes, Norway are getting rid of older ferries, either sold abroad or scapped. It’s a shame. Almost every routes are run by battery ferries in Norway now. It’s a good thing, but I just think it’s happening too fast. Just all of a sudden, all the good old ferries are gone.
@ShdeffieАй бұрын
She’s so pretty!
@damienbalbrigganАй бұрын
Good video next time I would recommend travelling during the day and sitting on the other side because that’s where the nice scenery is :)
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
Thanks Damien, was gutted my seat was on the wrong side, this was taken in November so need to go when it’s lighter!!
@kyleadair1Ай бұрын
I care if it’s a ship to shore ramp! Get your ferry nerd on !
@craig.bryantАй бұрын
Ship to Shore is my favourite mind!
@kyleadair12 ай бұрын
Great video Craig, am threatening my wife with a weekend in that hotel
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thanks Kyle, every woman’s dream to stay at a lighthouse!!
@Trond_travels2 ай бұрын
I didn’t know this. Most interesting. A shame about these closed down ferry terminals, but that’s life. Very practical for passengers to have a ferry port just next to a train station. Thanks for making this video. Anymore old unused ferry terminals in Scotland?
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thanks mate! Rosyth is unused and used to be the only link from Scotland to Europe, now all passengers must use DFDS from my hometown of Newcastle to Amsterdam!
@kyleadair12 ай бұрын
And see you in the premier league next year at Portman road!
@kyleadair12 ай бұрын
Amazing video Craig, really want to gonto deck five on a night sailing now!
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thanks Kyle! It’s much nicer in summer, but more fun in winter!
@Trond_travels2 ай бұрын
Not a big fan of MV Alfred, but the crossing looks nice 😊 The classic is after my taste 😊 Anyway, I see I must visit these parts of Scotland sometime, looks amazing 😊
@alanpbgАй бұрын
Hi check out Alans Homemade Vlogs he did the crossing and a series of vlogs driving round the Island
@Trond_travels2 ай бұрын
Amazing! What fun it must be 😮😊 I remember as a 9 year old boy, I spent 2 days of my summer holiday at the ferry that my uncle was working on. And I was also lucky enough to drive that ferry too. Something I never forget. It was this ferry no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil:MF_Aure_ved_Åndalsnes.JPG Anyway, Thanks for sharing the video. Cheers from a ferry freak and Newcastle supporter from Norway 😊
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Howay the lads! Thanks for sharing, that sounds like an amazing way to spend your summer holiday as a kid!! I hope to return to Norway at some point and tick off the countless ferries you have!
@Trond_travels2 ай бұрын
@@craig.bryant Yes, we do have a lot of ferries in Norway. Especially in the western part, where I live. Sadly, the last 40 years, many ferry services has been closed down and replaced by bridges and tunnels. But still, there are many ferries left 😀
@twalsh512 ай бұрын
€15 you regard as expensive! It's very reasonable.
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
I haven’t got my head around inflation yet. In retrospect €15 isn’t too bad, I’m just comparing it to CalMac prices for equivalent distances like Largs-Isle of Cumbrae!
@michaeljohndennis22312 ай бұрын
Being Irish, having extended family in Rural Ireland and living in Manchester 23 years, I come home on SailRail via Holyhead quite frequently - Dublin is incredibly expensive and the experience of coming into Dublin can be cringe at times, but Irish railways and the LUAS trams, as well as the DART are a joy to behold and are most impressive compared to the U.K. railways
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Yep, very expensive city which is a shame as it’s so close to me and I’d love to visit more. Hoping to do more Irish Rail and Translink videos in the future!!
@ianotimelord2 ай бұрын
I'm a big fan of ferries. I never knew these things. I often wondered why Stena pulled out of Stranraer. Like Holyhead, dying town, yet still a vital link to the Republic of Ireland.
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Very similar to Holyhead in feel too, but at least Holyhead still has the ferries!!
@Julie25542 ай бұрын
I have been on this crossing many times to visit family in Northern Ireland. I have been lucky not to be on board when the sea gets a bit choppy. I have never been on the night crossing though. I remember taking the crossing from Stranraer before the new ferry terminal opened.
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
It’s a lovely crossing!
@spotthebrick72472 ай бұрын
Awesome 👍👍
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thank you! Cheers mate
@kevinpickering22232 ай бұрын
Get up Craig Best one yet
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Cheers Kev glad you liked it!
@intelmacs2 ай бұрын
Cud av put a sute on for big adaventua m8. Nuff said
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, will wear a full suit next time, nuff said 🤵♂️
@Nunyobidne5512 күн бұрын
Texan here, I tried hard to read this comment but it wasn’t coming to me. 😂 Just got off MV Loch Frisa from Mull this morning….boy was it some stormy seas…about a one hour uncomfortable ride for some but I loved it. I been watching your vids since we checked into our Glasgow hotel….pipes championships tomorrow 💪
@craig.bryant12 күн бұрын
@@Nunyobidne55 enjoy Scotland, don’t worry about the dialects mate, this one is Geordie and not even from Scotland! Glad you’re enjoying the videos 😊
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Haha thanks mate!
@FinlagganYT2 ай бұрын
Captain Craig Bryant of MV Loch Tarbert 😀🧑✈️⛴️
@Ciaran1002 ай бұрын
Great video lad!
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Ciaran! Thanks
@alanmorrison1632 ай бұрын
Although CalMac didn’t run out of Troon regularly prior to chartering the MV Alfred the SeaCat used to run from Troon to Belfast.
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
SeaCat Scotland was the name of the ferry?
@FrankMcCrum18 күн бұрын
@craig.bryant last Seacat ferry on the route was called Rapide. Seacat Scotland originally ran the route, but the owners never spent any money on it and it was a mess. So they took her out of service, gave her a £2 million upgrade then sent her to Dover. Rapide was similar. Came from Dover and was a mess. Always breaking down, even went on fire then they closed the route. P&O Express ran to Larne from the current ferry terminal, also got closed around 2016.
@craig.bryant18 күн бұрын
@@FrankMcCrum thanks for all of the info Frank, very helpful!
@FrankMcCrum18 күн бұрын
You're welcome. Keep up the good work😊@@craig.bryant
@ADAMEDWARDS172 ай бұрын
The ship to compare Loch Frisa with is surely Coruisk? Smaller vessel designed for shorter runs like Mallaig Armadale but moved to Mull given demand. I would guess it too might have found the weather you had a bit bumpy?
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
It would have - I think both the Coruisk and LF are too small for the Mull run, the latter is also too slow. Although the route is only 50 mins (or 1hr on the Frisa) it’s very popular with tourists. A large ferry like the IoM offering hot food is essential.
@ADAMEDWARDS172 ай бұрын
@@craig.bryant I agree. Once the 4 new ferrys for the Minch and Islay are delivered, the next order should be for 2 big-ish ferries for Mull so they always have one available all year. The Isle of Mull is not getting any younger.
@insitetoursirelandltd.57952 ай бұрын
Like the concept lad but wind noise ruins the experience. Love Ferry travel...a true adventure....but the simple addition of a wind deflector would have made this film so much better!
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, I totally agree - all my future videos after this one have a wind deflector on a mic!
@andrewpreston41273 ай бұрын
No cafe on the MV Alfred ? Well, that's a bit cr*p ! After all those minutes of regaling how lovely it is, and then out of the blue.... no cafe.
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
It is its major downside. For me, I only use the cafe or restaurant for 2 hours plus journeys usually!
@alanpbgАй бұрын
its because irs a dry charter and that doesnt include catering
@andrewpreston4127Ай бұрын
@@alanpbg OMG, no drink either.
@alanpbgАй бұрын
@@andrewpreston4127 exactly
@alanpbgАй бұрын
@@andrewpreston4127 check out Alans Homemade Vlogs he did a crossing and drive round Arran
@user-pp8hw9zr7j3 ай бұрын
Amazing video. How long does the ferry take to Belfast?
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Thank you! Crossing is 2 hours 30 mins, plus 45 min check in before hand
@clareclark65353 ай бұрын
0:01 I went on the MV Isle of Arran ferry earlier this month and it was very very crowded 😮 Had food though and after spent most of the time outside enjoying the views. Saw Dolphins Had my timings changed so lost time over in beautiful Arran
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
It’s a lovely old ferry but too small for 2024 in every respect!
@clareclark65353 ай бұрын
Definitely! People where sat on the floor.
@alanpbgАй бұрын
You were lucky it was sailing living in Troon they are not that reliable.Thanks to the useless SNP govt the new ferries are 6 years late,millions over budget and are a joke
@barcles_3 ай бұрын
650 views in 20 hours - does this count as viral for a ferry comparison video? 🤌🏼
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
1 view in 24 hours is my usual fayre!
@jimmcintosh90453 ай бұрын
Baffled how they couldnt have put a coffee machine on the Alfred at least! Even the small Loch Frisa ferry to Mull has one.
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Yep me too, and a full vending machine - easy money!
@ambasteir83162 ай бұрын
The Alfred has the facilities, contract states not allowed to earn extra money. Company politics, I'm afraid.
@craig.bryant2 ай бұрын
@@ambasteir8316 thanks for this! That makes sense now, even though it’s a poor reason!
@FinlagganYT3 ай бұрын
ARRAN FERRIES MV Glen Sannox MV Glen Rosa ISLAY FERRIES MV Loch Indaal MV Isle of Islay WESTERN ISLES MV Claymore MV Lochmor Pioneer was one of the options in the vote but lost the vote because people preferred other names that fit in with the local area with the Lochs and Glens. People are not too keen on random names that have no relevance to the local area The new Islay ferries will compliment MV Finlaggan but replace MV Hebridean Isles The new western isles ferries will compliment MV Loch Seaforth but replace MV Lord of the Isles
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
I’d voted for Pioneer just for the old days! Thanks for the info!!
@Scottish_Transport_Explorer3 ай бұрын
The two Western ferries are both for the Uig triangle route replacing the MV Hebrides. But will not be replacing MV Lord of the Isles on the Lochboisdale to Mallaig/Oban route.
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
@@Scottish_Transport_Explorer yep that’s what I thought. There’s a LOTI replacement that’s bespoke in the works. Not sure where the MV Hebrides will move to, perhaps as a second vessel on Ullapool-Stornoway?!
@Scottish_Transport_Explorer3 ай бұрын
@@craig.bryant Maybe yeah. They could replace the MV Isle of Mull with MV Hebrides on the Mull route as she is a younger vessel compared to the Isle of Mull by around 10 or 11 years. That or have her as a second vessel on the Arran route if the new ferries somehow ain't in service yet
@swilson72503 ай бұрын
Great video again! When the Alfred runs its normal route it has a great cafe! Good morning rolls, chips (later in the day) and your sponsor will be happy, Costa Coffee 😂
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment! Great to know that hatch is used for Pentland Ferries service 😃 Other coffee brands are available 😜
@clareclark65352 ай бұрын
Love Costa tbh @@craig.bryant
@Markmeister19893 ай бұрын
Great video! You should seriously consider come to Sweden/Finland and try out our ferries! :)
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Thanks Markus! I’d love to in the future, closest I’ve been is Gdańsk port in Poland!!
@Markmeister19893 ай бұрын
@@craig.bryant i would say that in terms of amenities onboard Oscar Wilde, that's the baseline here in the Baltic Sea. Especially between Sweden and Finland/Estonia. Most of the ferries offer live music entertainment, casinos, Spa and Wellness areas, fine dining and shopping. :)
@benjaminwood32943 ай бұрын
Cracking video Craig. It was steaming in to dock!
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Haha thanks Ben!
@brionjon13 ай бұрын
I have been to Arranmore island. My dad was from there. And my mom’s parents also.
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
It’s a lovely place, I need to visit properly next time I’m in Donegal!
@zzmike3 ай бұрын
What a fascinating and evocative spot! Rusty tracks, semaphore signals, and seagulls go together well. Enjoyed it. Also enjoyed hearing your accent: I'm ex of Blyth here, living in the US now.
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Thank you @zzmike! Glad you enjoyed it, hope the US is treating you well - I do like to go up to Blyth beach now and then!
@markmoorhead15163 ай бұрын
Wonderful as always! Hi to Rachel!
@craig.bryant3 ай бұрын
Cheers Mark! Glad you liked it, hope you’re still enjoying Wesley Johnston too!! Best website going