The first was a 1891 Caird & Company, Greenock built screw steamer as SS Grouse, bought in 1929 and scrapped in 1948 at Faslane.

Passenger accommodation along the starboard side of the hull can cater for up to 250 persons, with lounges on two levels and an open deck above.

Initially lengthened to reduce the risk of long vehicles grounding, these have been replaced by narrower and lighter ramps.

[3] In July 1998, she provided an emergency service between Portavadie and Tarbert while the main Kintyre road was closed due to a landslide.

[4] In early 1999, Loch Dunvegan took over from MV Isle of Cumbrae on the secondary Bute crossing, from Colintraive to Rhubodach.