MV Cowal crew accommodation was below the bridge and at the stern. She was fitted with electric hoists and side-ramps to allow the loading of vehicles from conventional piers and at any state of tide. The 14-ton cargo lift had space for five average cars, which were turned on two 14-foot turntables on the lift and a further one at the front of the "garage". An aft cargo hold had two 7-ton derricks for cargo handling. These were removed in 1958 and the hold plated over, to provide additional car deck area. MV "Cowal" entered service on the Gourock to Dunoon crossing
Argyllshire Gathering Argyllshire Gathering The Argyllshire Gathering is a Highland games held in Oban, Scotland. A meeting on 23 August 1871 held at the Argyll Arms Hotel led to a resolution to have an "Annual Gathering of the Gentry of the County of Argyll for social purposes". This was to be called the Argyllshire Gathering and was funded by member subscriptions. The first Gathering was held in 1873. The Highland Society of London donated a Gold Medal, which along with the Gold Medal also donated to the Northern Meeting is one of the most prestigious prizes in solo piping. Faye Henderson won