For decades, a small but sturdy ferry shuttled passengers back and forth across the River Clyde, linking Renfrew to Yoker — a journey of just a few minutes, but one that was deeply embedded in the daily life of locals. The MV Renfrew Rose, launched in 1984, was more than a means of transport. She was a symbol of river life, quietly getting on with her job while the world around her changed.
A Proud Clyde-Built Vessel
Designed by Ian Nicolson and built by MacCrindle Shipbuilding Ltd in Ardrossan, Renfrew Rose was commissioned at a time when river ferries were still a crucial part of Glasgow’s transport network. Alongside her sister ship, MV Yoker Swan, she formed part of the Renfrew Ferry service — the last Clyde crossing this far upstream and the closest to Glasgow city centre.
Over the years, the ferry became a familiar sight on the river. Operated initially by Strathclyde Transport, then Renfrewshire Council, and later Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), the Renfrew Rose was a lifeline for commuters, shoppers, and schoolchildren.
Staff at the Heart of the Service
A ferry is nothing without its crew — and the Renfrew Rose had some of the best.
This historic photograph, captured by Paisley Photographs, shows the staff and management of the Renfrew Ferry during its operational years. Their dedication kept the service running smoothly, day in and day out, through wind, rain, and sunshine.
End of an Era
But change was on the horizon. On 22 January 2010, SPT announced that the Renfrew Ferry would cease operating by the end of March that year, citing a need to cut costs. The Renfrew Rose and Yoker Swan were nearing the end of their working lives, and the price tag for replacements — around £2 million — was simply too high. A smaller private passenger ferry eventually took over the crossing, but for many, it wasn’t quite the same.
A New Life Across the Sea
The story didn’t end there. Rather than being scrapped, the Renfrew Rose and her sister were sold to the Arranmore Fast Ferry company in County Donegal, Ireland. There, they swapped the grey waters of the Clyde for the scenic route between Burtonport and Arranmore Island. Repainted in blue and white, the Renfrew Rose was modified to carry up to three cars — a new challenge for the former pedestrian ferry.
Highland Home
In 2016, the Renfrew Rose changed course once again. This time, she was bought by the Highland Ferry company to operate the Cromarty to Nigg service, connecting the Black Isle to Easter Ross. She replaced the Cromarty Queen and, before that, the Cromarty Rose. Now far from her urban roots, the Renfrew Rose continues to serve remote communities, proving her durability and adaptability.
A Ferry with History
Through changing tides and changing owners — from Strathclyde Transport to Renfrewshire Council, SPT, and later ferry operators in Ireland and the Highlands — MV Renfrew Rose has clocked up more than 40 years of service. That’s a legacy few small vessels can match.
For those who remember her chugging quietly across the Clyde, she may be gone — but she’s certainly not forgotten. And for those now using her in the Highlands, she’s still doing what she’s always done best: linking communities, one short journey at a time.
Paisley Photographs 