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Islay Turkish-built CalMac ferry successfully launched

The MV Isle of Islay is due to enter service in October

The first of four ferries being built for Scotland's west coast routes has been successfully launched in Turkey.

The MV Isle of Islay will serve on CalMac's Islay and Jura routes after work is finished at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalovan.

Two other vessels, MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa, being built at the Ferguson Marine shipyard on the Clyde have been subject to long delays.

The MV Isle of Islay is due to enter service in Scotland in October.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) chief executive Kevin Hobbs hailed the launch as a "significant milestone" for the project.

Once complete, the vessel will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

An official naming ceremony will take place on Islay towards the end of the year.

The Isle of Islay's sister ship, MV Loch Indaal, is expected to follow suit in February 2025.

It comes after months of frustration among island communities at the state of west coast services - many of which have been continuously cancelled or delayed.

CMAL The MV Isle of IslayCMAL
The MV Isle of Islay is due to enter service in October

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the ferry's completion would create a "more reliable and resilient" service for passengers.

She said: "I'm delighted to see MV Isle of Islay enter the water and look forward to her arrival in Scotland later this year. I know she will be warmly welcomed by the communities she will serve.

"This is another important milestone reached in the Scottish government's commitment to deliver six new major vessels to serve the Clyde and Hebrides network by 2026.

"With MV Isle of Islay progressing towards delivery in October, and her sister ship MV Loch Indaal following soon after, ferry users can anticipate increased capacity for the Islay routes from 2025."

CMAL currently owns 12 major vessels, six of which are due to be replaced by the four ferries being built in Turkey and the two being constructed on the Clyde.

Two other ferries being built in Turkey, MV Claymore and MV Lochmor, are expected to be completed in June and October next year.

CalMac CEO Robbie Drummond said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming MV Isle of Islay into our fleet.

"When she enters service, she will deliver a real step change in resilience and capacity for the community of Islay enabling future growth."