Woodfarm Rock

Published: 2nd October 2014

Concerns have been raised for many years now regarding the buoyage at Woodfarm Rock in the south passage at the Burnt Isles in the Kyles of Bute. Clydeport commissioned a re-survey which was conducted in 2001 - primarily associated with the main (north) channel - but this clarified that there were more hazards in the south channel than previously charted. A revised Admiralty Chart 1906 was published in 2003, and an extract has been available on the CYCA website since 2005. (See the Cruising and Moorings section - and another link is available here.)

Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggested that the buoy might move in the current such that groundings could be more likely at some states of the tide.

There was general consensus that a North Cardinal beacon at the NE extremity of the rock would be a more reliable navigational aid, but Clydeport (now PeelPorts Clydeport) did not have any budget with which to cover the expense.

Agreement was reached in Spring 2014 on a joint effort involving various parties. The beacon was built in June by McNair Engineering and installation was virtually complete on 2nd October, courtesy of outstanding support from Jamie McGarry and the team at GSS. This proved to be a major task, with 12 hours of drilling for divers fitting bolts to the rock in between 2 and 5 metres of water. The topmark was finally fitted on Friday 3rd October, and the green buoy was removed.

GSS barge lowering the perch.                                          Buoy lying to the tide prior to being lifted. It becomes obvious why there was a problem ...

Thanks too to the clubs for financial support:

• Clyde Cruising Club
• Royal Western Yacht Club
• Mudhook Yacht Club
• Clyde Corinthian Yacht Club
• Fairlie Yacht Club
• Royal Scottish Motor Yacht Club
• Helensburgh Sailing Club
• Holy Loch Sailing Club

A FANTASTIC team effort!

Charts and pilot books will be updated in due course. For now, the advice is to pass about 10m from the perch, paying attention to depth on the NE (Burnt Isles) side of the channel. Perch lat/long is approximately 55 55.418 N 005 10.312 W, but this is to be fine-tuned to match the exact drilling of the holes.

South Passage - Kyles of Bute