CalMac's newest ferry leaves Turkey for Scotland - here's when Isle of Islay is expected to arrive
Vessel will sail via Italy and Gibraltar to Greenock then Islay
CalMac’s newest ferry is expected to arrive in Scotland in two week’s time after setting sail from a Turkish shipyard on its maiden voyage, it was announced on Friday.
Isle of Islay, crewed by the operator, is due to refuel at Catania in Italy and Gibraltar en route to the Clyde after leaving Yalova on Thursday.
It is expected to reach Greenock for checks around February 5 before heading for Islay to serve the route between Port Askaig and Kennacraig in Kintyre.
However, the length of the voyage is weather dependent.
The 450-passenger ferry - the first of four for CalMac to be built at the Cemre yard - was completed a week ago.
That was 15 months late because of supply problems and shipyard staff being redeployed to assist after a major earthquake.
It can also carry 100 cars or 14 lorries - 40 per cent more than the route’s current vessels.
A video revealing its passenger space and crew accommodation has been published by Harmony Marine Solutions, which designed parts of the interior.
Isle of Islay will undergo several weeks of port trials before entering service “as soon as possible”.
A “community event” is planned on Islay to welcome the vessel, which will include tours on board and a naming ceremony in which a special edition bottle of Ardnahoe whisky will be used to christen the vessel.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, said: “Isle of Islay will support the people and economies of Islay and Jura, as well as enhance resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides [CalMac] network due to the cascade of other vessels.
“Full focus remains on preparing the vessel for entry into service as soon as possible.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of Scottish Government ferry-owning firm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, which ordered the ferry, said: “We look forward to seeing the vessel enter service and provide the much-needed boost to capacity and resilience on the route.”
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: "All islands served by major vessels will benefit when Isle of Islay enters service, and network trials during crew familiarisation will allow us to understand where she and her three sister vessels could potentially operate to.
“This, coupled with the fact she'll add an extra vessel to the major fleet, means that flexibility and resilience in service provision will be greatly enhanced."
The second ferry, Loch Indaal, is expected to join the fleet to serve the Islay route in six months’ time.
The other two are for the Skye “triangle” with North Uist and Harris.
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