MV Isle of Islay arrives in Scotland

The latest vessel to join the CalMac fleet, MV Isle of Islay, has arrived home in Scotland following an eventful journey from Cemre shipyard, Turkey.

At 10am today, Sunday 22 February, she berthed at Inchgreen dock in Greenock following the 4400 nautical mile sail, which saw the crew face storms – and even carry out a successful rescue mission off the coast of Morocco.

MV Isle of Islay will spend an estimated two weeks on the Clyde as final fit-out and activities to deliver her to operations take place, and further updates will follow on preparations for entry to service on the Islay route later in March.

CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: "It’s the end of the delivery voyage but the start of an exciting new chapter for CalMac.

“The crew, who have been putting the vessel through her paces on an epic voyage across the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in the depths of winter, are delighted to have reached Scotland.

They deserve massive credit for the job they have done in sailing home during treacherous weather and sea conditions and being involved in a CalMac first in saving a life at sea off the coast of Morocco.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll finalise preparations to get the vessel ready to enter passenger service for Islay and Jura.”

The journey from Turkey has seen a CalMac-branded vessel pass many places for the first time – including Greek islands and the coastlines of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

With the capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles, she’ll give the Islay routes with a 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity and will strengthen the overall resilience of CalMac’s wider fleet.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am delighted that the MV Isle of Islay has arrived in Scottish waters, with the vessel due to enter service in the coming weeks.

“The MV Isle of Islay will improve capacity and reliability on the Islay route, as well as enhance the resilience of the CalMac major vessel fleet. Full focus is now on preparing the vessel to enter service as soon as possible for the people and economy of Islay.

“I want to share my sincere thanks and admiration for the crew who delivered the MV Isle of Islay to Scotland, and for their bravery and skill in undertaking a rescue operation on route.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL added: “The MV Isle of Islay’s arrival in Scotland is a welcome sight for everyone, but especially the communities she will serve. We’d like to extend our thanks to the crew who have brought her home, and everyone involved in her journey to get here. She will provide added resilience and capacity to the network, and we look forward to seeing her carrying passengers very soon.”