The world’s last remaining turntable ferry has ceased operating this year following a financial downturn due to the Covid-19 crisis.
MV Glenachulish, the original Glenelg to Skye car ferry, has been carrying passengers across the Kylerhea straits since the early 1980’s.
Originally built in 1969 for service at Ballachulish, the 50-year-old vessel has gone onto become a unique piece of Scottish Maritime history on the west coast, operating off a Kelvin T6 engine.
As services across the north begin to resume following lockdown, operators of the ferry have confirmed the global pandemic has left them shipwrecked following a significant financial downturn.
In light of the challenges, owners Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company have decided to cease operations for the remainder of this year.
In a statement on their social media page, they wrote: “It is with regret that the ferry will not operate during the 2020 season.
“This decision has been made with consideration for financial implications and with concern for public and crew safety.
“We will be back next year and hope to see as many of you as possible then.”
General manager Jo Crawford said: ““We will definitely be back next year. The boat is sitting comfortably on the beach at Kishorn. She is safe over there and we will tend to her over the summer and winter so she is in spanking condition to come back in 2021.”
