The ferry will join CalMac‘s fleet in Scotland after being built more than 4000 nautical miles away at the Cemre shipyard in Turkey.
The MV Isle of Islay has berthed at Inchgreen dock in Greenock after the sail which saw the ship take part in a rescue operation off the coast of Morocco while waiting for severe weather to pass.
The ferry will join the CalMac fleet (Image: Brian Fulton)
The ship was originally due to be delivered in October 2024 but was delayed multiple times with the manufacturers blaming labour shortages and supply chain issues.
The ferry can carry 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 HGVs and will then serve the Kennacraig to Islay route.
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Three more ferries of the same design are set to be delivered at six month intervals, providing a second Islay vessel, and for routes to North Uist and Harris.
First Minister John Swinney wrote on X/Twitter: “Delighted to see MV Isle of Islay arrive in Scotland – a welcome addition to CalMac’s fleet.
“My warmest thanks to the crew for handling a challenging journey with great skill and to everyone who has played a part in making this happen.”
Delighted to see MV Isle of Islay arrive in Scotland – a welcome addition to @CalMacFerries fleet. My warmest thanks to the crew for handling a challenging journey with great skill and to everyone who has played a part in making this happen. Photo courtesy of C Brindle. pic.twitter.com/zVJi8TF3cs
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) February 22, 2026
CalMac’s chief executive Duncan Mackison said it was “the start of an exciting new chapter” for CalMac.
He added: “The crew, who have been putting the vessel through her paces on an epic voyage across the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in the depths of winter, are delighted to have reached Scotland.
“They deserve massive credit for the job they have done in sailing home during treacherous weather and sea conditions and being involved in a CalMac first in saving a life at sea off the coast of Morocco.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll finalise preparations to get the vessel ready to enter passenger service for Islay and Jura.”
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “I am delighted that the MV Isle of Islay has arrived in Scottish waters, with the vessel due to enter service in the coming weeks.
“The MV Isle of Islay will improve capacity and reliability on the Islay route, as well as enhance the resilience of the CalMac major vessel fleet.
“Full focus is now on preparing the vessel to enter service as soon as possible for the people and economy of Islay.
“I want to share my sincere thanks and admiration for the crew who delivered the MV Isle of Islay to Scotland, and for their bravery and skill in undertaking a rescue operation on route.”