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Donnie MacNeil, Barra’s famous binman stars in the final episode of Island Crossings, the behind-the-scenes TV documentary about CalMac

Donnie moonlights as a drummer in well-loved folk band The Vatersay Boys.

His bin route is an epic 120-mile round trip from Barra to Vatersay, and by CalMac ferry across the Sound of Barra to Eriskay and through South Uist to Benbecula, where he deposits the rubbish and recycling before returning home.

On Sunday’s programme, he reminisces about his days performing with the band at festivals and venues across the world, and we learn about his passion for his home island of Vatersay.

Meanwhile, on the MV Seaforth, the crew are dealing with a tight turnaround and an abnormal load on a busy night between Stornoway and Ullapool.

Under pressure to get a delayed service back on track, lead deckhand Roddy Mackenzie and his team hit a snag when a lorry breaks down on the ramp.

Before the additional abnormal-sized freight can be loaded, the ship has to pull a tricky 180-degree turn in the port to allow the massive construction equipment to board via the wider stern door.

It's the Isle of Kerrera's annual Craggy Island Triathlon, an event that attracts of competitors and spectators to the tiny island located just 600 metres off the mainland at Oban.

Despite the proximity to the mainland, providing supplies and the infrastructure for such a big event, as well as the competitors and spectators across to the island, is no mean feat for MV Carvori, CalMac’s smallest ferry.

Bad weather threatens the event and puts pressure on everyone involved as they do their best to erect the catering marquee and lay out the course ahead of the big weekend.

After 38 years at sea, 28 of them working for CalMac, MV Argyle deckhand motorman 'Gentleman Roy’ is retiring.

On his final few shifts between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay, Roy reminisces about his life at sea, recalling the highs and lows of living half the year away from friends and family.

 In an emotional farewell, his Roy's CalMac colleagues present him with a gift from the whole crew.


Barra’s famous binman in tune with CalMac

9 September 2023