MV Claymore (II), built in 1955 by William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, was a significant vessel in Scottish maritime history as David MacBrayne's last mail boat not designed primarily as a car ferry. She measured approximately 300 words in length, served primarily on the Inner Isles Mail route along the west coast of Scotland, and was notable for her passenger capacity, design, and later service life. Constructed as a two-class passenger vessel, Claymore featured accommodations over three decks, including dining saloons divided by a sliding partition on the main deck, a promenade deck with a first-class observation lounge and bar, a second-class open lounge, and first-class staterooms, along with a hospital room. The lower deck housed both first- and second-class cubicles. With a total passenger capacity of 494 and sleeping accommodations for 56, she represented a substantial upgrade from her predecessor, the Lochearn, which could only sleep 22. Her technical equipment included the latest navigational aids of her time, such as radar, Decca navigation, an echo-sounder, and wireless telegraphy. She was equipped with a forward hold, a 7.5-ton derrick for cargo handling, and could carry up to 100 tons of cargo, including 26 head of cattle. Additionally, she could transport up to eleven cars onboard. In service, MV Claymore operated mainly between Oban and destinations including Tobermory, Coll, Tiree, Castlebay, and Lochboisdale, making three weekly runs. She also provided short excursions from Oban during the summer and served as a relief vessel at Stornoway until the arrival of MV Iona. Her service on the route continued until 1972 when she was replaced by Loch Seaforth, which could carry more vehicles. After her replacement, she was largely laid up, but her service was extended temporarily due to Loch Seaforth's wreck in 1973. In 1976, she was sold to Canopus Shipping in Greece, renamed City of Andros, and later City of Hydra after reconstruction. Her Greek service involved day cruises around the Cycladic Islands, with modifications including a swimming pool and a dramatically flared bow. She was laid up around 1993, sank at her mooring in 2000, and was subsequently scrapped. MV Claymore's long career reflects her importance in regional passenger and cargo transport, and her later adaptation as a cruise ship highlights her maritime versatility.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.