Geograph - photograph every grid square

For over 150 years there had been ferries (passenger only, then one small car, and finally of the size seen here) making the 250 metre crossing of the Caolas Cumhann at Kylesku. Rather unusually, they were nearly always free. They were finally replaced by the absolutely splendid Kylesku Bridge in NC2233, opened in July 1984.

Although there was a timetable, at busy times the ferry tended to operate a shuttle service to reduce any queues.

Back in 1967 when this was taken, father and I had been waiting for a few minutes on the way south. Now, the ferry has just arrived after its short (5 minute) journey from Kylesku, and we were soon to be on our way. Note the rotating car deck.

I think this was about the last 'short' ferry crossing on the west coast of Scotland to be replaced by a bridge. Creagan Bridge over Loch Crenan, a converted railway bridge, came later, but that cut off an inland detour, there was never a ferry. The Skye Bridge was also later (and much longer) - but that did not connect two places on the west coast!