MV Lochearn

MV Lochearn and her sister MV Lochmor were built by Ardrossan Dockyard.^[1] She was launched on 29 April 1930.^[2]

In March 1931 in thick fog, Lochearn ran aground on a sandbank at Lonbane, Applecross. Lochmor went to assist but she also became stuck.^[3] The 85 year old paddle steamer Glencoe successfully towed them both off.^[4]

On 14 May 1932, Lochearn struck rocks off Tiree in the Inner Hebrides and was beached.^[5] She was later refloated, repaired, and returned to service.

After the war, both sisters were fitted with Paxman Ricardo diesel engines, improving their performance.^[3]

With the introduction of the 1964 hoist-loading car ferries, Hebrides, Clansman and Columba, Lochearn became redundant.^[6] She and her sister Lochmor were sold to Greek owners on 26 August 1964, renamed Naias and Amimoni and left Scotland for service in the Greek Islands.^[7]

In Greece, she was converted to a private motor yacht.^[8] It is believed she was broken up in January 1975.^[9]

Lochearn was a passenger and cargo vessel, with cabins for 22 passengers.^[10] Passenger accommodation consisted of a dining room, lounge and smoking room, with first and second class cabins. Vehicles were loaded, along with other cargo, using crane and sling.^[11]

Based in Oban, Lochearn was the Inner Isles mail steamer, serving Tobermory, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist^[4] until 1955 when she was replaced by MV Claymore.^[12] From 1955 to 1964, she sailed from Tobermory to Oban with calls at Salen, Lochaline and Craignure.^[12]