The Story of MV Hebridean Isles

The MV Hebridean Isles has a fascinating history that spans several decades. The ship was built in 1998.

Its original purpose was to provide a ferry service between the Scottish mainland and the Outer Hebrides. This route is still an essential part of the ship's operations today.

The MV Hebridean Isles has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years to improve its comfort and amenities.

The MV Hebridean Isles was constructed at Cochrane Shipbuilders's yard in Selby and launched sideways into the Ouse in 1985. She was the first MacBrayne vessel to be built outside Scotland, a significant milestone in the company's history.

The MV Hebridean Isles was designed to be suitable for use anywhere within the network, making her a versatile addition to the fleet. She was intended for the Uig triangle, but her capabilities allowed her to take on various roles.

Following her delivery voyage, she conducted trials at various ports around the network, but didn't take up duties at Uig, Skye until spring 1986. This delay was due to construction works at the piers, which required her to be used as a winter relief vessel at Ullapool and Oban.

The MV Hebridean Isles brought vastly improved standards of passenger comfort, making her a popular choice among travelers. She also offered slightly reduced sailing times and greatly reduced turnaround times, once she was able to use her bow and stern ramps.

The MV Hebridean Isles will be retired in November 2024, after 38 years of service. This marks the end of an era for the ferry, which has been a part of the Islay route for many years.

The ferry has been serving the Oban-Colonsay-Port Askaig and Kennacraig-Port Ellen runs, and has also sailed on the Uig triangle. We've had the chance to sail with her on the Colonsay run two years ago, and the Port Ellen to Kennacraig run three weeks ago.

The MV Hebridean Isles will be replaced by two new ferries, the Isle of Islay and the Loch Inndal, which are being built in Turkey. These ferries will be followed by two sister vessels for the Uig triangle in 2026.

The reason for the retirement is that the ferry has lost its SOLAS certification under new rules, and the adaptations required to gain a new certificate would cost too much. This doesn't mean she wasn't safe, just that she didn't meet the new more stringent requirements.

The MV Hebridean Isles will be sent to the breaker's yard, where she will meet her end. It's always sad to see these grand old ladies being retired, but based on our experience, it was time.

For your interest: Mv Coho Black Ball Ferry Line

The layout of MV Hebridean Isles was designed to accommodate a variety of needs. It features a bow visor, bow and stern ramps, and a vehicle hoist with side ramps.

Her spacious car deck can hold 60 cars, providing ample space for vehicles. This was a key feature, making her suitable for all the routes served by the large fleet units.

The passenger accommodation is located on two decks forward of the hoist. One deck has the cafeteria furthest aft, with the entrance concourse, shop, and information point in between.

The bar was converted to a Coffee Cabin in December 2008, giving passengers a new spot to grab a drink. The reclining lounge and bar towards the bow offer a comfortable spot to relax.

Above the cafeteria is the observation lounge, which provides a great view of the surroundings. Crew accommodation is located forward of the observation lounge.

The bridge is located on the next level at the bow, giving the captain a clear view of the surroundings. Externally, there is ample deck space, including a deck area forward of the bridge.

The MV Hebridean Isles is being retired in mid-November after 38 years of service. This ferry has been a part of the CalMac fleet for a long time.

We've had the chance to sail on the Hebridean Isles, and we've noticed the difference in creature comforts compared to the MV Finlaggan. The "merch" booth was never opened, and there was nothing in the display cases.

The Hebridean Isles has been serving the Islay route for many years, often alongside the MV Isle of Arran, which is still in service. In fact, we've done many crossings on her.

The ferry will be retired in November, making way for two new ferries that will be arriving later this year and next year. These new ferries will likely have more limited outside spaces accessible to the public, similar to the MV Finlaggan.

Here's a brief summary of the Hebridean Isles' final months of service: