Turkish delight as MV Islay is launched from Yalova shipyard

The MV Isle of Islay, the first of two vessels to serve Islay and Jura, was launched in Turkey on Saturday.

The vessel, which is one of four ferries being built at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, marks a significant milestone in Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited’s (CMAL) commitment to delivering new ferries to serve the Scottish islands.

Representatives of CMAL and key project stakeholders were in attendance, and Morag McNeill, chairperson of CMAL, officially launched the ferry.

Scheduled for delivery in October 2024, the vessel will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

It will provide a combined 40 per cent increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes, bolstering the overall resilience of the wider fleet.

Work will continue onboard the vessel while it is in the water, before it undergoes sea trials and is handed over to the owners. Crew familiarisation and local operational trials will then take place upon her arrival from Turkey, before the ferry enters service.

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

Magic is in the air for Treoir pupils of Fèis an Tairbeirt after they received a generous grant to help with their tuition.

Fèis an Tairbeirt is a voluntary organisation based in Tarbert which runs traditional music workshops for children and adults of all ages in Mid Argyll and Kintyre.

The group was awarded a Magic Little Grant 2023 of £500, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Fèis an Tairbeirt chairwoman

Alison

McBride said: “We are delighted to receive a Magic Little Grant which will help us to continue with our Treoir online programme, giving local young people the opportunity to access online lessons in traditional music.

“Through this programme we tackle issues around isolation and access to activities after school which are not on offer to children who live remotely.

“Ceud mile taing to Magic Little Grants for their generosity and support.”