Little Minch

The latter smaller vessels, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore are due to be deployed on the Little Minch routes between Skye, Harris and North Uist.

For islanders the ship offered new standards of comfort and modernity, its lights blazing brightly as it crossed the Little Minch.

Subject to berthing trials, MV Isle of Lewis could be redeployed to the Little Minch routes, freeing up MV Hebrides to be deployed to boost Arran services.

Milestones were reached on Wednesday with the keel-laying of the second of two Islay ferries and steel-cutting of the first of two for the Little Minch.

The steel-cutting of the first of two ferries which will operate on a CalMac's service across the Little Minch between Skye, Uist and Harris also took place the same day.