CMAL, which owns the ferries, produced two groups of names with input from people on Harris and North Uist. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast, with CLAYMORE and LOCHMOR proving the most popular.

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL, said:

“Following an excellent response to our public naming vote, I’d like to thank everyone who got involved in the naming of the two new Little Minch ferries.

“Work is progressing well at Cemre shipyard on CLAYMORE and LOCHMOR, and we’re expecting delivery of both vessels towards the second half of 2025. They will bring welcome additional capacity, reliability, and resilience for the island communities.”

Robbie Drummond, Chief Executive of CalMac said:

“These vessels will provide much-needed resilience to the Little Minch customers and communities, as well as the wider CalMac network.”

The two new ferries have a clear focus on optimising freight and passenger accommodation, with capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles. This will improve the overall resilience of the wider fleet.

These are two of six new major vessels CMAL is focussed on delivering by the end of 2025. The Small Vessel Replacement Programme will also get underway in the new year with plans to replace seven smaller “loch class” vessels in the first phase, and three more in the second phase. This means 50% of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services’ vessels will be renewed prior to the end of the decade, bringing the average age of the fleet to below 15 years.

LORD OF THE ISLES replacement program

The proposed new vessel compared to the LORD OF THE ISLES:

                                   New Vessel                             LORD OF THE ISLES

© Shippax

Design of the proposed new LORD OF THE ISLES replacer