Milestone marked as new ferry sets off from Turkey to the Hebrides

Officials say Thursday marked an “important milestone” for a new ferry as it began its maiden voyage from where it was built in Turkey to Scotland.

The MV Isle of Islay departed from Cemre shipyard and will spend about two weeks on the voyage, so long as good weather conditions hold up.

The vessel will serve residents of its namesake island, as well as the isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides.

It has a capacity of 450 people, 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

The vessel is the first of four 95-metre-long ferries being built at the Turkish shipyard.

The vessel was officially handed over to owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) last week, and a crew from its designated operators at CalMac is now sailing the vessel back to Scotland.

It is expected to stop at ports in Europe for refuelling a handful of times on the way.

After the ferry arrives on Scottish shores, the crew will conduct operational trials at several ports and harbours before it comes into service.

Islay residents will host a welcome party for the vessel once it arrives and guests will have the chance to tour the ferry.

A special edition bottle of Ardnahoe whisky will be used to christen the vessel before it begins serving the islands.

Guests will also see artwork on display from local school children who took part in a competition held across Islay and Jura.

The winning pictures will be framed and permanently kept on the passenger deck for future travellers to see.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that the MV Isle of Islay will soon be in Scottish waters, bringing us another step closer to the vessel entering service.

“The MV Isle of Islay will support the people and economies of Islay and Jura, as well as enhance resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides network due to the cascade of other vessels. Full focus remains on preparing the vessel for entry into service as soon as possible.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the delivery of the MV Isle of Islay and look forward to officially welcoming the vessel to the CalMac fleet in the coming weeks.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive at CMAL, added: “Today marks an important milestone for MV Isle of Islay as she begins her voyage back to Scotland.

“The island communities of Islay and Jura will welcome this news, and we look forward to seeing the vessel enter service and provide the much-needed boost to capacity and resilience on the route.”

The MV Isle of Islay is one of four ferries being constructed by the yard.

Its sister ferry, MV Loch Indaal, is expected to join the fleet later in 2026.

Duncan Mackison, chief executive of CalMac, said: “There has been a real sense of excitement at CalMac since MV Isle of Islay was delivered, particularly among the crew and local port teams where she’ll operate.

“Knowing that she is now on her way home has only added to this feeling, and we’re looking forward to seeing her reach Scottish shores and start serving Islay and Jura following crew familiarisation and trials.

“All islands served by major vessels will benefit when MV 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.”

As well as the four ferries being built in Turkey, CalMac is also awaiting the delivery of Glen Rosa, the second of two vessels from Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

It is due to be handed over in the second half of 2026.