SS Hebrides

SS Hebrides was a passenger and cargo ship which operated in the Western Isles of Scotland. Built in 1898 for John MacCallum, she became part of the fleet of David MacBrayne, serving St Kilda until 1955.

SS Hebrides in her early years
History
United Kingdom
NameSS Hebrides
Owner
  • 1898: John McCallum, Glasgow
  • 1930: McCallum, Orme & Co., Glasgow
  • 1955: David MacBrayne
RouteHebrides
Builder
Yard number70
Launched24 March 1898[1]
HomeportGlasgow
FateBroken up at Port Glasgow 1955
General characteristics
Tonnage585 GRT
Length180 ft (54.9 m)
Beam28.1 ft (8.6 m)
Draught13.2 ft (4.0 m)
Installed powerTriple expansion steam
Propulsionsingle screw
Speed12.8 kn (trials)[2]

History

Hebrides was the only cargo ship owned by John MacCallum. Built in 1898, she had passenger cabins and also offered leisurely summer cruises round the Western Isles. She was re-boilered in 1937. Taken over by MacBrayne's in 1948, she survived in their fleet until the arrival of Loch Ard in 1955.[3]

Hebrides was scrapped at Smith & Company, Port Glasgow.[2] The ship's bell was in the foyer of the Harris Hotel, Tarbert for 20 years and is now on display in the lounge of the present Caledonian MacBrayne ferry MV Hebrides.[4]

Service

John MacCallum operated his own routes in the area generally covered by MacBraynes. Hebrides provided a service to St Kilda.[5] During the Second World War, she was chartered to MacBraynes, sailing between Oban and Tiree.[2] She assisted at the evacuation of Soay and took part in a similar duty at St Kilda.[6] In her final years, she carried cargo and livestock only on her old route from Glasgow, on alternate runs with Loch Frisa.[2]

Footnotes
  1. "SS Hebrides". Caledonian Maritime Research Trust. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  2. "March 2007 news". West Highland Steamer Club. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  3. Neil F King. "Loch Skiport". Flickr. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  4. "SS Hebrides". Clydebuilt. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  5. Rev. R.L. Lawson. Flight to St Kilda. Maybole. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  6. "History - Hebrides". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
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