MV Clansman was the second of a trio of hoist-loading car ferries built for David MacBrayne Ltd in 1964 and operated on the Mallaig to Armadale, Skye route for ten years. Converted to ro-ro operation, she operated on the Stornoway, Isle of Mull and Arran services. Underpowered and troubled by mechanical breakdowns, she was taken out of service after 20 years. History The Secretary of State for Scotland ordered a trio of near-identical car ferries for the Western Isles. Hall, Russell & Company of Aberdeen won the contract to build them, ahead of fifteen other British yards. The new ferries were initially owned by the Scottish Office and registered in Leith. They were chartered to David MacBrayne Ltd and were all equipped to serve as floating nuclear shelters, in the event of national emergency. This included vertical sliding watertight doors that could seal off the car deck, immediately aft of the hoist. Clansman, the second of the trio, was launched on 16 January 1964 and entered service on 5 June 1964. To combat the limitations of hoist operation, Clansman underwent a nine-month refit at Troon, from October 1972, to convert her to a drive-through ferry. Hoist and side-ramps were removed and bow and stern ramps were fitted. She was lengthened by 36 feet forward of the superstructure, and her passenger accommodation was raised to increase headroom in the car deck. Twin rudders and a new 4-ton bow-thrust unit were added, and her machinery was converted to be fully bridge controlled. She emerged in the new CalMac livery, but unfortunately was not re-engined, which was ultimately to lead to her premature downfall. Layout As originally fitted, Clansman had a car deck that could take 50 cars. Hydraulic lifts and side-ramps allowed vehicles to drive on and off conventional piers at any state of tide. Vehicles were turned on the hoist platform and at the stern end of the vehicle deck, using manual turntables. The hoists avoided the cost of installing linkspans on the piers, but the process was slow and restricted the length and weight of vehicles that could be carried. On the enclosed upper deck, there was a bright cafeteria/restaurant aft, with a substantial galley and pantry. Forward were a lounge-bar, a little shop and the pursers' office. Forward on the promenade deck was a well-fitted observation lounge, with comfortable armchairs. The interiors of Clansman were designed by John McNeece.