The Shortest Caledonian MacBrayne Crossing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Liked the way the safety briefing lasted pretty much the whole crossing! Star of the show for me was the toilets. Glorious! As you say, a good shout for the best you'll find anywhere. Reminiscent of the toilets at Wemyss Bay station... which probably are serving a similar purpose 😉 Best wishes to you and Mrs TT

[@webrarian]

So I missed the toilets in Rothesay AND at Wemyss Bay? My excuse for the latter is probably that Scotland was immediately post-lockdown with complicated queuing at Wemyss Bay. Still, it's a good excuse for a return visit.

[@Timstravels01]

Those Rothesay toilets are unique. I wonder what would happen if plans like that were submitted today for a toilet block. Were those toilets viewed as unique and special in 1899 or simply functional and drab? Thanks so much for watching, I need to catch up on your Voyagers review now.

[@Timstravels01]

I missed the Wemyss Bay loos too. As you say, an excuse to return.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Timstravels01 i suppose you would get an idea, if you could if and how the opening was reported in the Rothesay Courier or whatever it was called. You'd need a contemporary description wouldn't you.

[@Timstravels01]

@JohnnyHooverTravels I think I shall be investigating that!

[@IanLawrie-l9q]

Awesome! Not only beautiful scenery but equally beautiful toilets and old man’s point. 👍👏

[@Timstravels01]

It's a very special part of the world. Thanks so much for watching.

[@mikeswift6713]

I was surfing KZbin as T.V. is totally dire these days and saw the title of your video and knew exactly where you were. Pre Covid and pre the original Shearing’s Bay Hotel collapse in 2020, we were due to revisit Portpatrick on the 20th of March that year, we had at least one and usually two mid-week breaks in Scotland. In 2015 we had a mid-week break in Rothesay taking the car from Wemyss Bay, lovely as Bute is it can be explored in a day so we used the short ferry three times to explore the off island areas around Scotland. I’ve subscribed to your channel in the hope of more places in Scotland we have visited, one of the more spine tingling was the Arctic Convoy Memorial at Loch Ewe where my dad’s destroyer H.M.S. Icarus assembled for many trips to Russia in the last great unpleasantness.

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing. I’m endeavouring to share more of Scotland on the channel so watch this space.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

I saw the title and thought it might be Largs to Great Cumbrae(‘Millport’). I flew my drone over Rothesay a couple of weeks ago and saw the amazing toilets too. This little ferry trip is cool so will be on my list next time.

[@Timstravels01]

@TerryMcGearyScotland it's a fun journey to do in a beautiful part of Scotland. There's a lovely hotel in Colintraive that's a good place to have a bite to eat.

[@thelifeofreillytravels]

Nice video! We were on Bute at the start of April & took this ferry crossing too. There's a great walk starting just beyond the ferry terminus too, with an amazing viewpoint and a swing at the top!😍

[@thelifeofreillytravels]

PS You did well squeezing in a tour of the whole boat in that short space of time! Didn't realise there were toilets on board, not that there's much time to use them!😂

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks for watching. Is the viewpoint and swing on the Bute side?

[@Timstravels01]

Indeed! It'd be a race against time! 😂

[@thelifeofreillytravels]

Yes, it's part of the "West Island Way" which runs the entire 15-mile length of the island.😊

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Up the main road beyond the. Castle there’s a huge graveyard on the right. Go the bottom of that there’s a wee gate that joins you onto the West Island Way. Beautiful wander northwards along a scenic little burn/stream to Port Bannatyne. Easy pavement walk about 30 minutes back to Rothesay.

[@neilbain8736]

I remember those toilets as a kid. The huge wash basins all had working taps, and covered both walls. Glass fronted cisterns were something I'd never seen before. Wemyss Bay is the mainland terminal for Rothesay and is an architectural gem. It's light and airy, and has a covered walkway down to the pier. This has lots of glass and curves and lets in the sun. The flower displays and their colour are legendary. Everything just says 'space' and 'light'. The Friends of Wemyss Bay Station society look after the plants and have a wee bookshop in the station, also worth a browse. The pier and corridor used to be longer and the walls had cases with the paddle box crests of favourite steamers. The first Duchess of Hamilton's was particularly ornate. She was requisitioned by the Admiralty in WW1 and got sunk, but luckily the crest was removed at conversion. However they all seem to have disappeared from view now, after a fire and rebuild of the pier in which it was shortened. You could also catch the Waverley and sail from Rothesay through the narrows to Tighnabruaich or round Bute or further.

[@Timstravels01]

It's a really special part of the world. Wemyss Bay station is amazing. I spent many happy times in and around Cowal and Bute.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Awesome little ferry service and a vital link! very well done filming such a short route and turning it into a video, I doubt I'd know where to start. 😅 I find it funny how the safety announcement is almost the entire voyage. 🤣

[@Timstravels01]

It was a fun one to do, from a part of Scotland I absolutely love. We’ve so much cool stuff to explore in Scotland. Thanks for watching Dom, I really appreciate it.

[@GPaint]

Very slightly longer journey but the Gallanach - Kerrera ferry is the great fun, being the tiniest Calmac vessel - room for one car!

[@Timstravels01]

That sounds like great fun!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Nice one all round! Never done this ferry so it’s now in my sights thanks. I appreciate the extra information you have researched for us. Try the Ardrossan /Brodick CalMac where you have nice time for a steak pie or fish supper. Too many chips is the only ‘problem’😁Thanks for this super share👍✌🏻

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks so much for watching. Arran is definitely on my to-do list.

[@johnroberts2331]

Another great video Tim. Would love to see more of the shorter ferries in Scotland! Good to see you brought Mrs Tims Travels along!

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks John, I’m glad you enjoyed it. There are a few little ferry services tucked away throughout Scotland. I’ll add them to the list!

[@johnroberts2331]

@@Timstravels01 Great to hear Tim! I look forward to them!

[@TheJamster2006]

Excellent video Tim. When i saw the title i excepted the trip to be between Sconser and Raasay. I have no idea why lol. This was fantastic

[@Timstravels01]

That's really kind, I'm glad you enjoyed it mate. It's a great wee trip.

[@frglee]

I was curious to see if there were bus connections from Colintraive to the Portavadie-Tarbert ferry. The rather confusing busroute and timetable seems to suggest there are just two services a day on the 478 bus ; 0818 arriving at 0920 and 1816 arriving at 1855.

[@Timstravels01]

Your spot on. On the West Coast Motors website it is just the two direct services per day from Colintraive to Portavadie. It would make for a pleasant day out if you got the ferry to Tarbert, it’s a pleasant place.

[@Remco_Tjallinks]

Really have to try a meal on the Seil - Luing ferry!

[@Timstravels01]

Seil-Luing is on the list!

[@flyingmyles]

What a smashing video! You just can't beat the scenery in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The boat tour nearly took longer than the whole journey, I wonder how many people don't go onto the top open decks, or don't realise! Can't wait for the next one Tim!

[@Timstravels01]

It's a very picturesque part of the world alright. It was a very quick tour as well. Walk on, walk the length of the ferry a few times, get off. Thanks for your continued support mate.

[@flyingmyles]

@Timstravels01 very much liked the unusual toilet review too, they looked stunning... definitely not bog standard 🤣

[@Timstravels01]

@@flyingmyles 🤣 a toilet branded as The Adamant is not to be ignored in my view.

[@iam433]

As we say back home “it was a soft day”. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated.

[@webrarian]

I saw the sign to the Victorian Toilets when I was in Rothesay a couple of years ago but didn't visit them, preferring instead to see the Italian cafés. I guessed the island was more interesting outside the town, and you've proved it.

[@Timstravels01]

@webrarian yeah for me Rothesay was pleasant enough but definitely not as glamorous as it once was. I must confess, Colintraive and the surrounding area has family connections so I’m always happy to be in that part of the world.

[@webrarian]

​@@Timstravels01 And that explains why Rhubodach and Colintraive slipped off your tongue so easily. I wouldn't have attempted Rhubodach, and would have got Colintraive completely wrong.

[@Sailorboy908]

Miss my visits to Bute. Cross on either ferry! Salvation Army Major Nessie was my cousin and we visited often.

[@Timstravels01]

Bute is a lovely spot. I have links to Cowal so I’m always glad to be in that part of the world. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Lisa101-x9x]

Beautiful place Colintraive

[@Timstravels01]

Absolutely it is. I've had so many happy holidays there and in Glendaruel over the years.

[@Lisa101-x9x]

@@Timstravels01 I had holidays in Colintraive since the age of 3. Am 57 now lol 😆

[@Timstravels01]

@Lisa-..12108 it’s a truly special place.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

It does look a tad shorter than the Kerrera ferry that Cal Mac now run but not much in it.

[@Timstravels01]

Aye it's close between the two. From what I researched, the Kerrera route comes in at 500m. Not a great deal indeed.

[@drewscott2753]

I remember the toilets before they became a tourist attraction. They were dirty and grotty and almost derelict. My wee home town looking a bit worse for wear these days. 😢

[@Timstravels01]

I’ve a real soft spot for Cowal and Bute, I’ve many happy memories of time spent in both. Rothesay did feel like it was struggling a wee bit.

[@TravelSignal]

Nice insight! I noticed how the safety announcement took almost as long as the crossing itself 😂 If it's the shirt Calmac crossing, it begs the question, what's the shortest crossing overall? 🤔

[@Timstravels01]

Spot on with the safety notice! The shortest crossing is Seil - Luing at a whopping 280 metres.

[@TravelSignal]

@@Timstravels01 looking forward to that video soon 😜

[@johnroberts2331]

I would love to see that crossing!

[@leeroberts1192]

If they could get the slipways lined up so that they're directly in front of each other, they could switch to using a chain ferry

[@Timstravels01]

I’m sure they did work at Colintraive slipway a few years ago (not realigned as would be needed) and a chain ferry would be very interesting!

[@JonathanPorterfield]

What amazing toilets 🚻, love it 😀 👏👏

[@Timstravels01]

They are very impressive loos alright.

[@caithnessrailrambler2698]

Brilliant Video

[@Timstravels01]

Thank you so much!

[@steve-marsh]

A bit grander than your normal loo reviews mate :)

[@Timstravels01]

Just a bit! 😂

[@Cheordig]

You're making me "home" sick Tim!

[@Timstravels01]

It's a special place eh.

[@Cheordig]

@@Timstravels01 it really is.

[@stewartwallwork6505]

Those toilets are legendary!

[@Timstravels01]

No doubt about it! Any urinal called The Adamant is very impressive. 😂

[@davidekhalil944]

my favourite is the john o groats ferry that ran aground when the driver "may have fallen asleep". :-) Just because you bought a ferry ticket and want a safe passage doesnae mean that the crew is not exhausted from 16 hour days o slave labour. .. or too many video games and redbulls.

[@Timstravels01]

Indeed! I think some lessons have been taken from that particular incident.

[@shetlandsheep3081]

You do know why no female toilets - since year 0 women’s toilet needs have been overlooked and not catered for adequately. In Victorian times and even more recently it was known as the “urinary leash” - no or inadequate toilets mean women wont get above themselves and travel far from home. Even now, despite women needing 2-3 times longer to use facilities than men they are routinely granted the same or often fewer facilities than men. And in an aim to be inclusive some establishments are even making the women’s facilities that do exist “all genders” while men retain their own men only private dignified facilities.

[@Timstravels01]

Thank you for answering the question and for the insight.

[@thomasmorin749]

I'm sure Cal Mac operate the ferry from Mull to Iona which is a pretty short crossing.

[@ginaward5648]

They do, but having sailed on both routes the Kyles of Bute crossing at Rhubodach/Colintraive is the much shorter.

[@Timstravels01]

They do indeed. Not a route I travelled on yet.

[@dougie6886]

Excellent ❤

[@Timstravels01]

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@sampie19862]

bueautiful toilets!

[@Timstravels01]

Aren’t they!

[@billyshearer117]

Lovely

[@Timstravels01]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sailorboy908]

Rhubodach .... called Rubber Duck by the locals!!

[@Timstravels01]

Brilliant!

[@ginaward5648]

of whom I am one.

[@mikewilliamson7246]

😂sorry but always pronounced it as Rubber Duck when up there some years ago !

[@Timstravels01]

I’m told that what the locals call it so you’re in good company!

[@RoyDavidson-g7g]

I thought the corran ferry was shortest

[@Timstravels01]

The info I found said the Corran ferry (another one I need to try) comes in at 0.5km but Rhubodach-Colintraive is definitely the shortest operated by Calmac.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

What! No onboard catering! 😮

[@Timstravels01]

Absolutely scandalous! 🤣

[@shortyw1029]

Sorry but isn’t the isle of Kerrera the shortest ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Timstravels01]

According to secretscotland.org.uk, Gallanach - Kerrera comes in at 500m. It’s close.

[@markwringe2826]

Rhubodach doesn't mean 'Old Man's Point'. It's not 'Rubha a' Bhodaich'. It means Point of Bute - Rubha Bòdach. Bòd - Bute, Eilean Bhòid - Isle of Bute. Bòdach - an adjective derived from Bòd. Bodach - Old Man. o is a short vowel, ò is a long vowel.

[@Timstravels01]

The research I found mentioned "Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute is less straightforward, in that it may be from rubha a’ bodach ‘point of the old man’ but could instead be from An rubha Bódach ‘the point of Bute’." - www.thebottleimp.org.uk/2010/11/gaelic-place-names-bodach/ I guess we can't be dogmatic. Sorry for any offense caused.

[@markwringe2826]

@@Timstravels01 That's very poor quality 'research' you quoted Tim. Rubha a' bodach is impossible, ungrammatical. (It would be Rubha a' bhodaich). But I can assure you that it IS Rubha Bòdach, long o vowel, meaning Bute Point, Point of Bute.

[@Timstravels01]

@markwringe2826 I’m so sorry for the upset this has caused. Thank you for putting me right.

[@markwringe2826]

@@Timstravels01 No upset Tim, you're welcome.

[@TransportGeekery]

Booze cruise has the same etymology as well apparently

[@Timstravels01]

Indeed!