SUILVEN/GULA

Suilven is a large mountain in the north-west of Scotland - very visible on the route this ro-ro vessel plied on for many years, Stornoway to Ullapool.

Never the most comfortable ship for passengers, Suilven had for many years Cal-Mac's largest car and freight carrying capacity.

The author made many crossings on the vessel, some on official business, some simply business crossings but just one for "pleasure". Our pleasure crossing coincided with the Glasgow Fair Friday holiday, which was also the start of holidays for many from Lewis. The ship left Stornoway in inclement weather, with the only passenger lounge very crowded and very full of smoke. Within half and hour the lounge was almost empty, the majority of people feeling better prepared for the rough seas by hanging over the ship's side! The author had already taken the precaution of swalling his "Kwells" - the remainder were distributed by his wife to the many "green" coloured kids groaning on the deck. It has to be added however, that we really did enjoy our fish and chips as we sailed up the calmer waters of the loch into Ullapool. Despite this latter pleasure, the ship was "banned" for all future family outings!

Today Suilven plies waters on the opposite side of the world. Now owned by Strait Shipping Ltd of New Zealand, Suilven operates between Wellington, Picton and Nelson. No doubt she will still carry many Scots who visit New Zealand and decendents of Scots who emigrated to the islands many years ago.

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