CalMac marks Merchant Navy Day by flying the Red Ensign

Caledonian MacBrayne will join the national tribute to the UK’s merchant seafarers by flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, Wednesday 3 September.

Crews from vessels and ports across the network have been pictured holding the iconic flag, also known as the ‘Red Duster’, in celebration of the vital role seafarers play in keeping communities connected and supplied.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Seafarers’ Charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign, which began in 2015 to raise awareness of the Merchant Navy’s contributions. Today, the campaign is a national event, with the Red Ensign flown at sites across the country.

CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: “Merchant Navy Day is a moment to reflect on the extraordinary service of seafarers past and present. At CalMac, our crews are the lifeline for Scotland’s west coast islands, delivering essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel every day. The Red Ensign is more than a flag—it’s a symbol of dedication, resilience, and national service.”

The Merchant Navy has played a critical role in global conflicts and crises, from the world wars to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, seafarers continued to transport vital supplies across the globe, often under difficult conditions.

Allan Dickson, Second Engineer on MV Glen Sannox and the treasurer of the Edinburgh Merchant Navy Association, said: “During Covid, many seafarers were stuck onboard ships for months, unable to go ashore or return home. While much of the world was furloughed, seafarers kept going—keeping supply lines open and communities fed. It was tough, but it showed just how essential our work is.”

CalMac’s commitment to honouring seafarers includes participation in commemorative events. Duncan Mackison, Allan Dickson, and Neil Flintoff, Master of MV Bute, will attend a Merchant Navy Day ceremony in Leith. CalMac’s modern apprentices will also take part in a ceremony at City of Glasgow College with the Lord Provost, Councillor Dr Jacqueline MacLaren.

A CalMac delegation will further represent the company at the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 8 October.

Allan added: “CalMac and the islands are like a smaller version of the UK. Everything that arrives on the islands—groceries, fuel, medicine—comes by ship. The only difference is that here, people travel on the same vessels that carry their supplies. It’s a daily reminder of how vital seafarers are.”